Five talking points as Liverpool prepare to deal with Arsenal at Anfield

After eight matches, Arsenal sit second on 21 points, while Andoni Iraola's Liverpool are fourth on 15 points.

Here are five key talking points ahead of the encounter.

1. Can Arsenal finally win at Anfield?

Arsenal face a difficult historical challenge on Merseyside. The Gunners have not won any of their last 13 Premier League away matches against Liverpool, with their last victory at Anfield in the competition coming in September 2012.

Anfield has been one of Arsenal's toughest away grounds, where the Gunners hold their lowest all-time Premier League win rate - just 6 victories in 34 visits.

2. Arsenal's injury problems threaten their attacking threat

Arteta has major selection concerns, with Bukayo Saka ruled out by a quadriceps injury. Christos Tzolis is also unavailable, while Noni Madueke remains a doubt after suffering an ankle problem.

Those absences could leave Arsenal short of natural width and force Arteta to find alternative ways to stretch Liverpool's defence. Midfield runs from Kai Havertz and forward movement from Riccardo Calafiori could become particularly important.

3. Liverpool must overcome their own injury setbacks

Liverpool are also dealing with several significant absences. Dominik Szoboszlai, Jeremie Frimpong, Hugo Ekitike, and Conor Bradley.are injured, weakening the hosts' options on the right side.

Ronald Araujo is expected to provide cover at right-back, while Florian Wirtz faces a late fitness assessment. His availability could be crucial as Liverpool look to supply Alexander Isak and maintain their recent attacking improvement.

4. Carabao Cup results could shape Sunday's contest

The teams arrive after contrasting experiences in the Carabao Cup. Arsenal suffered a shock fourth-round elimination against League Two side Fleetwood Town, leaving Arteta with the task of restoring confidence before a demanding league fixture.

Liverpool, meanwhile, progressed after drawing 1-1 with Chelsea before winning a dramatic penalty shootout 6-5. Their victory will provide a confidence boost, although the physical demands of the contest could leave Iraola needing to manage his players carefully.

5. Liverpool's attack faces Arsenal's formidable defence

Arsenal have established themselves as the Premier League's defensive benchmark this season. Even without William Saliba, they have remained difficult to break down, recording five clean sheets in the 2026-27 campaign and conceding the lowest expected-goals total in the division at 6.2.

Liverpool will need their key attackers to deliver if they are to expose that defensive strength. Wirtz has registered three goal involvements in his last four matches, while Bradley Barcola has contributed five in the same period.

Isak is another major threat, having scored six goals in his last six Premier League appearances. The Swedish striker has supplied two-thirds of Liverpool's goals across those matches, making his battle against Arsenal's defence one of the game's decisive contests.