Liverpool v Arsenal preview: Saka out, Rice a doubt, Dowman banned and Iraola's improving side at Anfield
The leaders go to Anfield on Sunday with Bukayo Saka injured, Declan Rice and Riccardo Calafiori doubts and Max Dowman facing a ban. Liverpool are fourth, six points behind, and have won four in a row, but face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup first.
The biggest game of Premier League matchweek 9 is at Anfield. Liverpool v Arsenal kicks off on Sunday 1 November at 16:30 UK (00:30 Monday Beijing), live on Sky Sports Main Event.
The table
| Liverpool | Arsenal | |
|---|---|---|
| Position | 4th, 15 points | 1st/2nd, 21 points (level with Man City) |
| Last league game | Beat Brighton 2-0 | Beat Everton 2-0 |
| Midweek | Carabao Cup v Chelsea (Wednesday) | Knocked out at Fleetwood (Tuesday) |
| Coach | Andoni Iraola | Mikel Arteta |
A win would take Liverpool to within three points of Arsenal. An Arsenal win would put nine points between them.
Liverpool: the home form is turning
For a long time the story at Anfield was a bad one. Liverpool went five Premier League home games without a win under Iraola before Sunday's 2-0 win over Brighton — Liverpool 2-0 Brighton. Alexander Isak has now scored in three straight league games.
The concern is the schedule. Liverpool play Chelsea in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night — Liverpool v Chelsea preview — while Arsenal have an extra few days to rest after their cup exit. Iraola said there "will definitely be changes" for the cup game.
Liverpool injuries (as of last weekend): Jeremie Frimpong, Dominik Szoboszlai, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni and Hugo Ekitiké were all out against Brighton, and Florian Wirtz has been managing an ankle problem. Iraola's Friday press conference should give a clearer picture.
Arsenal team news
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Bukayo Saka | Out, thigh, no return date |
| Tzolis | Out, hamstring |
| Max Dowman | Suspended unless his appeal succeeds — Dowman ban explained |
| Declan Rice | Doubt, came off late against Everton and missed Fleetwood |
| Noni Madueke | Doubt, ankle |
| Riccardo Calafiori | Doubt, missed Fleetwood |
| Gabriel, David Raya | No fitness concerns |
Arteta's right side is the problem. With Saka out — how long Saka will be out — and Tzolis unlikely, Madueke is the main option if he is fit. Rice is the bigger worry: Arsenal's midfield balance depends on him.
What the Fleetwood defeat means
Arsenal's 5-3 shootout loss at League Two Fleetwood was embarrassing — the full report — but Arteta made nine changes, so few of Sunday's likely starters were involved. Most of his first team last played in the 2-0 win over Everton — Arsenal 2-0 Everton.
Three key questions
1. Who plays on Arsenal's right? It is Arsenal's most important selection without Saka.
2. How tired are Liverpool? Iraola has to balance a cup tie on Wednesday with the biggest league game of their season so far.
3. Can Isak keep scoring? He is Liverpool's form player, and Arsenal's centre-backs, led by Gabriel, are fully fit.
For the wider title picture, see Arsenal v Man City: the run-in compared.
FAQ
What time is Liverpool v Arsenal? Sunday 1 November at 16:30 UK time, which is 00:30 on Monday 2 November in Beijing.
Is Saka playing against Liverpool? No. He is out with a thigh injury and does not have a return date.
Is Declan Rice fit for Liverpool v Arsenal? He is a doubt. He came off late against Everton and missed the Carabao Cup game at Fleetwood. Arteta is expected to give an update before the game.
How many points are between Liverpool and Arsenal? Six. Arsenal have 21 points and Liverpool have 15, after eight games.
