Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium is set to host a crucial Premier League matchup on Sunday, featuring Arne Slot’s impressive Liverpool side aiming for victory against one of their title rivals.
Mikel Arteta’s team recently suffered a setback in the title race, losing 2-0 to Bournemouth after William Saliba received a red card in the first half. Meanwhile, Liverpool is arriving in London fresh off a strong 2-1 victory over Chelsea, prompting discussions about Slot’s team’s championship potential.
Here are the essential details:
Date: Sunday, October 27 at 4:30 p.m. BST (11:30 a.m. ET)
Venue: Emirates Stadium
Referee: Anthony Taylor
VAR: Michael Salisbury
Viewing options:
Fans in the UK can catch the game live on Sky Sports, while viewers in the U.S. can watch on NBC Sports. ESPN will provide live updates throughout the match.
Team News:
Arsenal
To secure a win against Liverpool, Arsenal will be without Saliba, a key defender serving a one-match suspension for his red card against Bournemouth. Arteta is facing additional injury concerns, particularly regarding Bukayo Saka, who is recovering from a hamstring issue sustained during England’s Nations League match against Greece. Although there was hope that Saka could return, he was absent for the Bournemouth game and remains unlikely to play this weekend.
Riccardo Calafiori is another concern after sustaining a knee injury during Tuesday’s Champions League match. Arteta noted he is unsure about the injury’s severity. On a brighter note, Martin Ødegaard may return from his ankle injury, and Jurriën Timber could also be available following recovery from his absence.
Liverpool
Slot’s squad is also dealing with injuries. Diogo Jota was substituted early in the match against Chelsea and will miss the midweek Champions League fixture against RB Leipzig. Federico Chiesa has sat out the last four matches with an undisclosed injury. However, Harvey Elliott is nearing full fitness after two months out due to a fractured foot.
Fantasy Insights:
With Liverpool conceding only three goals so far this season, having a defender from their lineup is highly advantageous. If budget permits, selecting Trent Alexander-Arnold is ideal, though options like Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, or Andy Robertson can also prove beneficial. Additionally, Arsenal’s Declan Rice is a budget-friendly option, as he has been crucial in set-piece scenarios this season.
Statistical Insights:
Mohamed Salah has scored 10 goals in 16 encounters against Arsenal, making him a potent threat. Liverpool has only allowed three league goals this season, showcasing their strong defensive capabilities. Notably, they have yet to concede from a set piece.
Form Guide:
Arsenal’s recent form has been mixed, and they currently sit third after a tough defeat at Bournemouth, marking their first loss since late April in the Champions League. Liverpool has maintained high performance since Slot took over, winning seven out of their first eight matches of the Premier League season.
Key Matchup:
The midfield clash between Declan Rice and Ryan Gravenberch is vital. Rice will need to elevate his performance without the solid backing of Saliba, while Gravenberch, now adapted to a holding role, has excelled under Slot’s management.
Key Questions:
Can Arsenal improve their discipline? Saliba’s recent red card highlights a troubling trend, as the team has received three red cards in just eight league games. On the other side, is Liverpool a legitimate title contender? A victory at Arsenal would significantly bolster their claim.
Latest news:
Slot’s Liverpool has set a club record by winning their first six away matches of the season, while Arteta has called for improved discipline following Saliba’s dismissal. Additionally, Arsenal is concerned about Calafiori’s injury and Virgil van Dijk has mentioned ongoing contract discussions with Liverpool.