Arsenal travel to Anfield on Sunday, November 1, seeking a response after their shock Carabao Cup exit against Fleetwood Town. Mikel Arteta’s side remain second in the Premier League with 21 points from eight matches, level with Manchester City but behind on goal difference. They have scored 13 league goals and conceded five, keeping five clean sheets. Their 1-1 draw at Fleetwood ended in a 5-3 penalty defeat, adding pressure before a difficult away fixture.
Arsenal must cope without Bukayo Saka and William Saliba, while Max Dowman’s three-match suspension rules him out after his dismissal against Fleetwood. Riccardo Calafiori remains a doubt, and Noni Madueke faces a late fitness check after an ankle problem. Declan Rice also missed the cup tie with a minor injury, but reports on October 29 indicate he hopes to be fit. Mikel Merino missed the match through illness and could return if he recovers in time.
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Liverpool
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): David Raya; Ben White, Ezri Konsa, Gabriel, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Martín Zubimendi, Mikel Merino; Kai Havertz, Martin Ødegaard, Eberechi Eze; Viktor Gyökeres.
Raya should remain in goal, with White at right-back and Konsa partnering Gabriel while Saliba recovers from his back injury. Lewis-Skelly could cover the left flank if Calafiori fails his fitness test, giving Arsenal an alternative against Liverpool’s wide threats.
Zubimendi and Merino could start in the double pivot, although Merino must recover from his illness before taking his place. Rice may return to the squad, but his hamstring concern makes a starting role less certain. Ødegaard should lead the creative work, while Havertz offers a possible replacement for Saka on the right and Eze provides close control from the left. Gyökeres should lead the attack after scoring against Fleetwood.
How could Arsenal cope with Liverpool’s press?
Liverpool may force Arsenal to play quickly from the back, making Raya’s distribution and Zubimendi’s positioning important. Ødegaard needs to find space beyond Liverpool’s midfield and feed Gyökeres early, while Eze’s movement from the left can open passing lanes. With Saka unavailable and Dowman suspended, Arsenal must spread the creative responsibility across the front four rather than rely on one winger to stretch the pitch.
