Liverpool vs Arsenal: Prediction, kick-off time, TV, live stream, team news, h2h results, odds

The Premier League is back with a bang and one of the biggest fixtures of the early season is about to unfold on Merseyside. Liverpool will welcome Arsenal to Anfield in a match that already feels like it could shape the destiny of the title race even though the campaign is still very young. Both teams are sitting right at the summit of the league table after their first two matches, both have looked sharp in attack, both have recruited strongly over the summer, and both fanbases believe this season could finally be the one where dreams are turned into reality. The atmosphere at Anfield promises to be electric, and the stakes feel much higher than just three points. This is about early bragging rights, about momentum, and about sending a powerful message to the rest of the Premier League that they mean business.

Liverpool arrive into this clash full of confidence but also with plenty of questions still hanging over them. Under their new manager Arne Slot, they have started with fireworks in attack, scoring seven goals in just two games. On the opening night of the season they brushed Bournemouth aside with ease, scoring four goals and looking as fluid as ever in the final third. But in their second match against Newcastle, it was a different kind of drama. For long periods they struggled, their defence was shaky, and it looked like they would drop valuable points early in the season. Then came one of those moments that only football can deliver. A 16-year-old debutant, Rio Ngumoha, came off the bench and scored a dramatic 100th-minute winner to stun St James’ Park and send the travelling Liverpool fans into wild celebrations. It was a reminder of Anfield’s tradition of young heroes, of new names writing themselves into history, and it gave the Reds a perfect start with two wins out of two. But at the same time, it showed again that their defence is still vulnerable and capable of being exposed, something that Arsenal will certainly look to exploit.

For Arsenal, the start has been equally impressive and perhaps even more complete. They began their season with a tough match against Manchester United, a game full of tension and nerves, but they found a way through and took all three points. That win gave them belief and momentum, and when they returned to the Emirates to face newly-promoted Leeds, they produced a statement performance. A 5-0 demolition, full of energy, pace, and attacking brilliance, sent a loud warning to the rest of the league. Not only have Arsenal scored freely, but they are yet to concede a goal, and their defensive solidity has been as impressive as their forward play. Mikel Arteta has built a side that looks balanced, hungry, and ruthless, and after another summer of heavy investment, the pressure is on him to finally deliver silverware. The fans are demanding trophies, the owners have backed him with big spending, and this trip to Anfield will be one of those defining moments where his team can prove whether they are truly ready to become champions.

The game is set for Sunday, August 31, 2025, with kick-off at 4:30pm BST. The venue needs no introduction. Anfield, one of the most iconic stadiums in world football, will be packed to the rafters, the famous Kop end in full voice, and the atmosphere certain to be intimidating for the visitors. This is the kind of stage where legends are made and where the pressure either crushes or inspires. For Arsenal, it is one of the toughest away fixtures of the season. For Liverpool, it is a chance to show their fans that under Slot, they are capable of challenging for the title again after years of Manchester City dominance.

The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage beginning half an hour before kick-off. Fans can also stream it live through the Sky Go app and Now TV, while those who prefer written updates can follow the Standard Sport live blog, which will feature expert analysis from Simon Collings reporting directly from Anfield.

Team news always adds spice to fixtures of this size, and this time all eyes will be on one name: Eberechi Eze. Arsenal’s newest signing, the exciting midfielder, could make his debut in this clash after being unveiled ahead of their game against Leeds. His creativity, dribbling skills, and ability to unlock defences make him one of the most intriguing additions to Arteta’s squad. However, Arsenal also face some injury concerns. Kai Havertz is out after undergoing knee surgery, a blow to their attacking depth. More worrying for the Gunners are the knocks to Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka, both of whom picked up injuries against Leeds. Their fitness will be crucial, and Arsenal fans will be holding their breath to see if they make it. Christian Norgaard is another doubt, racing against time to recover, while 15-year-old sensation Max Dowman, who made his Premier League debut off the bench, is unlikely to feature in a game of this magnitude. The man leading the line will almost certainly be Viktor Gyokeres, who has already announced himself with a brace against Leeds and will be eager to test Liverpool’s shaky defence.

Liverpool’s squad looks healthier, though they do have one notable absentee. Jeremie Frimpong, their summer signing at full-back, suffered a hamstring issue against Bournemouth and will be out until after the September international break. That absence has already forced Arne Slot into tactical adjustments, with Dominik Szoboszlai filling in at right-back against Newcastle, though the return of Conor Bradley should allow the Hungarian to move back into midfield. Virgil van Dijk gave Liverpool a scare when he was clattered by Anthony Gordon, but he has recovered without issue and will marshal the defence. Alexis Mac Allister has also returned to training, giving Slot more options in midfield. One of the big questions for Liverpool fans is whether Rio Ngumoha, the teenage hero from St James’ Park, will be given more minutes. Slot may feel this match is too big for him to start, but the buzz around the youngster is undeniable. Another subplot is Harvey Elliott, who could miss out altogether as speculation mounts about a potential late move to RB Leipzig.

The tactical battle will be fascinating. Liverpool under Slot are trying to play with high intensity, quick transitions, and attacking width. Their problem is the vulnerability they show when they lose the ball, especially against teams with pace on the break. Arsenal, with players like Saka, Martinelli, and Gyokeres, are perfectly equipped to exploit that. Arteta’s men have already shown they can press aggressively and punish mistakes, and Anfield could be the stage where they show their maturity. On the other hand, Arsenal’s defence, which has been rock solid so far, will be tested like never before. Facing Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz, and Szoboszlai is a completely different challenge compared to Leeds. If Arsenal can withstand the storm at Anfield, it will be a massive sign of their title credentials.

The head-to-head history between these two giants adds another layer of drama. They met late last season at Anfield in a thrilling 2-2 draw, with Liverpool racing into an early lead only for Arsenal to fight back with second-half goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino. Over the years, this fixture has produced countless classics. In total, Liverpool have 89 wins, Arsenal 81, and 65 matches have ended in draws. It is one of the closest rivalries statistically, and every encounter seems to deliver drama, goals, and storylines that live long in the memory.

The odds reflect just how tight this match is expected to be. Liverpool are slight favourites at 11/10, Arsenal are priced at 15/8, while a draw stands at 21/10. Bookmakers clearly believe home advantage could make the difference, but many pundits see Arsenal as the more complete team right now. Predictions vary, but a common theme is that Liverpool’s defensive weaknesses could cost them against Arsenal’s blistering attack. The general verdict is that Arsenal might just edge it, with a 2-1 win being the popular prediction.

But football is never played on paper. Anfield has a reputation for defying logic. The roar of the crowd, the history, the pressure—it can lift Liverpool to levels beyond tactics and statistics. Arsenal know this, they have felt it before, and they will have to hold their nerve. For Arteta, this is not just another game. It is a chance to show that his team are mentally strong enough to come to one of the toughest grounds in the league and win. For Slot, it is an opportunity to win over Liverpool supporters fully, to show them that the new era is alive with possibilities, and to prove that his team can stand toe to toe with the best.

Whatever happens, this game promises to be an early highlight of the season. Two great clubs, two passionate fanbases, two managers with something to prove, and two squads packed with talent. The Premier League may have only just begun, but already the pressure feels intense. By Sunday evening, one of these sides could be sitting alone at the top of the table, their confidence soaring, their rivals worried. Or perhaps they will share the spoils, leaving the title race as wide open as ever. Either way, Liverpool vs Arsenal at Anfield is set to remind everyone why the Premier League is the most dramatic league in the world.