Arsenal
08 Jan, 2026
21:00
Liverpool
This could be a statement game from Arsenal’s perspective as they look to maintain momentum and assert themselves in the title race. However, rather than an open shootout, the context of this matchup suggests a more controlled and tactical contest.
Liverpool arrive with a long injury list, now totaling seven absentees, including the latest setback to Ekitike with a hamstring injury. These attacking absences significantly reduce their offensive threat, especially in big away matches where they have already struggled to impose themselves.
Arsenal, on the other hand, are likely to approach this fixture with balance and discipline, aware of Liverpool’s counterattacking strengths. Their recent performances against top opposition show a willingness to control games through possession and structure rather than taking unnecessary risks.
What we say
Under 2.5 Goals
Despite the intensity of this derby, several factors point toward a lower-scoring affair. Liverpool’s attacking options are heavily limited, while Arsenal are defensively well-organized and unlikely to open the game unnecessarily. With Liverpool conceding but also struggling to score away from home against elite sides, this match sets up as a tight, tactical battle with fewer than three total goals.