Arsenal vs Liverpool: A Big Match for the Top Spot
PREVIEWTuesday, January 6, 2026·1.4K

Arsenal vs Liverpool: A Big Match for the Top Spot

Arsenal, undefeated in 93% of their 30 matches and leading the league, faces Liverpool, who are undefeated in 9 consecutive matches, in the season's biggest match.

TrendSoccer
Football Data Analyst

Arsenal vs Liverpool: A Big Match for the Top Spot

The 1st and 4th place teams meet. It's the Premier League's biggest match of the season. Arsenal are undefeated in 93% of their 30 matches, and Liverpool are on a 9-game unbeaten streak. This match at the Emirates on January 8th is a crucial one that could determine the direction of the title race.

Comparing Recent Form of Both Teams

Arsenal (1st)

  • Season Record: 15 wins, 3 draws, 2 losses (20 matches) / Goal Difference: +26
  • Goals: 40 goals / Conceded: 14 goals
  • Recent 6 League Matches: 5 wins, 1 draw
  • Average Goals Scored: 2.17 goals / Average Goals Conceded: 1 goal
  • Recent 3 Home Matches: 2 wins, 1 draw (Undefeated!)
  • Home Shots: 23.67 shots / Home Possession: 56.33%
  • Recent 15 Home Matches in PL: Undefeated!
  • Recent 20 League Home Matches: 14 wins (70%)
  • Recent 30 Matches: 93% Undefeated (28 matches)
  • Recent 12 Home Matches: 11 wins (92%)
  • Home Clean Sheets: 50%
  • Recent 20 League Matches: 90% Undefeated

Arsenal are scary. They are undefeated in 93% of their 30 matches. They are even stronger at home. They are undefeated in 15 consecutive matches and have won 11 out of 12 matches. They take 23.67 shots per game and have a 50% clean sheet rate. The Emirates is a real fortress. A goal difference of +26 means they are gaining 1.3 goals per game.

Liverpool (4th)

  • Season Record: 10 wins, 4 draws, 6 losses (20 matches) / Goal Difference: +4
  • Goals: 32 goals / Conceded: 28 goals
  • Recent 6 League Matches: 4 wins, 2 draws (Undefeated!)
  • Average Goals Conceded: 0.67 goals
  • Shots: 13.5 shots / Possession: 60%
  • Recent 9 Matches: Undefeated!
  • Recent 6 Away Matches: 5 matches Undefeated (83%)
  • Recent 11 League Matches: 82% Undefeated
  • Recent 8 PL Matches: 4 draws (50% draw rate)

Liverpool are also flying high. They are on a 9-game unbeaten streak and have only conceded 0.67 goals per game in their last 6 matches. Their defense has become really solid. They dominate the game with 60% possession. They are also undefeated in 83% of their 6 away matches.

Reviewing Past Encounters

When they met at Anfield in August 2025, Liverpool won 1-0.

  • Possession: Liverpool 53% vs Arsenal 47%
  • Shots: Arsenal 11 shots vs Liverpool 9 shots
  • Shots on Target: Liverpool 3 shots vs Arsenal 1 shot
  • Dangerous Attacks: Arsenal 44 times vs Liverpool 23 times
  • 83rd minute: Szoboszlai's winning goal

Arsenal lost despite leading in dangerous attacks 44 to 23. They also had more shots, but only one shot on target. Liverpool defended solidly and secured the win with a late goal. It was a disappointing game for Arsenal.

Tactical Analysis

Arsenal's Home Dominance

Mikel Arteta's Arsenal are invincible at home. They are likely to play aggressively with a 4-3-3 formation.

Gyökeres will play as the lone striker, with Saka and Trossard running on both flanks. Ødegaard will control the game in the center, and Zubimendi and Merino will distribute the ball.

They take 23.67 shots per game at home. That's a great attacking force. If the Gyökeres-Saka combination works, they can break through the Liverpool defense. Saliba and Gabriel are in charge of the defense, and Raya guards the goal. A 50% clean sheet rate means their defense is also solid.

Liverpool's Away Challenge

Arne Slot's Liverpool are also strong away from home. They are likely to play in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation.

Gakpo will play as the lone striker, and Wirtz and Chiesa will attempt breakthroughs on the flanks. Mac Allister and Gravenberch are responsible for the midfield, and Jones will provide creative passes.

They have only conceded 0.67 goals per game in their last 6 matches. Their defense has become really solid. Van Dijk and Konaté guard the center, and Alisson is in charge of the goal. They need to stop Arsenal's attack and aim for a counterattack.

Key Decisive Factors

1. Arsenal's Home Attack vs Liverpool's Defense

Arsenal take 23.67 shots per game at home. Liverpool have only conceded 0.67 goals per game in their last 6 matches. It's a battle of spear vs shield. Can Arsenal break through Liverpool's solid defense?

2. Midfield Battle

Ødegaard-Zubimendi vs Mac Allister-Gravenberch. This matchup could determine the outcome. The team that dominates the midfield will control the game. Both teams have world-class midfielders, so a tight battle is expected.

3. Set Pieces

Arsenal are strong in set pieces. Saliba and Gabriel are threatening in aerial balls. Van Dijk and Konaté are also strong, but corner kick situations at Arsenal's home can be dangerous.

Key Trends

Arsenal Home Trends

  • Recent 30 Matches: 93% Undefeated (28 matches)
  • Recent 15 Home Matches in PL: Undefeated
  • Recent 12 Home Matches: 92% Win Rate (11 wins)
  • Recent 20 League Home Matches: 70% Win Rate (14 wins)
  • Home Clean Sheets: 50%
  • Recent 20 League Matches: 90% Undefeated

Liverpool Trends

  • Recent 9 Matches: Undefeated
  • Recent 11 League Matches: 82% Undefeated
  • Recent 6 Matches Average Goals Conceded: 0.67 goals
  • Recent 6 Away Matches: 83% Undefeated
  • Recent 8 PL Matches: 50% Draw (4 draws)

Both teams are on an unbeaten streak. Arsenal have remained undefeated in 93% of their 30 matches, and Liverpool are also on a 9-game unbeaten streak. Both are strong, so the probability of a draw is high. It is also important that Liverpool have drawn 50% of their last 8 matches.

Predicted Lineups

Arsenal (4-3-3)

  • GK: Raya
  • DF: Saliba, Inka, Gabriel, Timber
  • MF: Ødegaard, Zubimendi, Merino
  • FW: Saka, Gyökeres, Trossard

Liverpool (4-2-3-1)

  • GK: Alisson
  • DF: Van Dijk, Konaté, Kerkez, Frimpong
  • MF: Jones, Mac Allister, Wirtz, Chiesa, Gravenberch
  • FW: Gakpo

Predicted Scenario

Predicted Score: Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool

A draw. The probability is 37%.

It's a game where both teams can score. Arsenal score 2.17 goals per game at home, and Liverpool also have attacking power. A total of about 4 goals is expected.

Arsenal are likely to score the first goal in the first half. Gyökeres or Saka could score. However, Liverpool will also equalize with Wirtz or Gakpo on the counterattack.

The most realistic scenario is that both teams exchange one more goal in the second half and end up 2-2. Both are too strong, so it seems difficult for one team to win unilaterally.

Over 2.5 goals is likely. Arsenal are aggressive at home, and Liverpool are strong on the counterattack. It will be a thrilling goal fest.

For Arsenal fans, taking 3 points at home will be a great help in the title race. Liverpool fans won't be too unhappy if they only get 1 point at the Emirates. It will be a tense game worthy of the season's biggest match.

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#PremierLeague #Arsenal #Liverpool #BigMatch #TitleRace #Emirates

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