Liverpool welcome Arsenal to Anfield on Sunday, 1 November, hoping to extend consecutive Premier League wins over Brentford and Brighton. Andoni Iraola’s side sit fourth with 15 points from eight matches, having scored 11 goals and conceded eight. Arsenal are second on 21 points and have conceded only five league goals, so Liverpool’s attack faces a stern test.
Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie against Chelsea ended 1-1 before Liverpool advanced on penalties. Iraola made seven changes, and Florian Wirtz came through an ankle concern to play, while Van Dijk’s minutes were managed. Isak and Barcola came off the bench and should return to the starting XI.
Several absences still shape the selection. Bradley, Frimpong, Leoni and Ekitiké remain unavailable, while Victor Muñoz is a doubt. Szoboszlai may return to the squad but looks unlikely to start. Those absences make Araújo the leading right-back option, with Gakpo likely to start on the left.
Liverpool predicted lineup vs Arsenal
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson Becker; Ronald Araújo, Jérémy Jacquet, Virgil van Dijk, Miloš Kerkez; Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister; Bradley Barcola, Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo; Alexander Isak.
Alisson should resume in goal. Araújo can fill in at right-back, with Jacquet alongside Van Dijk and Kerkez returning on the left after resting against Chelsea. That gives Iraola a familiar back four despite the long-term absences.
Gravenberch and Mac Allister should form the midfield base, balancing ball recovery with forward passing. Barcola can attack from the right, while Gakpo offers a natural left-sided option. Wirtz should take the central role after recovering from his knock; he has created 22 Premier League chances this season, giving Liverpool a route through Arsenal’s midfield. Isak has scored six goals in seven league appearances.
How can Liverpool trouble Arsenal?
Arsenal’s compact shape will make central passes difficult, so Liverpool should stretch the back line early. Wirtz can draw a midfielder out before feeding Isak, while Barcola attacks the channel behind the full-back and Gakpo arrives at the far post. Gravenberch must support those attacks without leaving Mac Allister alone in front of the defence, especially if Arsenal break quickly.
