Not only a top competition, this is also an early confirmation of the two biggest candidates for the Premier League championship in the 2025-2026 season.
Three points are not simply valuable in the rankings, a win at Anfield means a big psychological boost, while a defeat can lead to unpredictable domino effects. For Liverpool, it is a continuation of the empire under Arne Slot, while Arsenal is an affirmation that they are ready to erase the shadow of the second-placed player.
Liverpool started the season confidently with 2 consecutive wins with a score of 4-2 against Bournemouth and 3-2 against Newcastle, where the 16-year-old talent Rio Ngumoha became the youngest player in the team's history to score in the Premier League.
Liverpool's most impressive name at this stage is rookie Hugo Ekitike. The French star has scored 2 goals in his first 2 matches in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Florian Wirtz is still trying through each match. After the Community Shield, the German midfielder seemed a bit overwhelmed by the English football environment. However, if a solution is found for Wirtz, this will be a treasure trove of creativity for Arne Slot.
Along with that, key players such as Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Ryan Gravenberch and Szoboszlai are still showing good form. In the Arsenal homecoming, Liverpool will not have the service of Jeremy Frimpong due to injury, but Conor Bradley's return to training brings a timely replacement for the right wing.
If Liverpool consolidate their strength with blockbuster Wirtz or Ekitike, Arsenal respond with Gyokeres and Eze. Gyokeres won the "European Golden Boot" title last season, while Eze helped Crystal Palace win their first title after a 119-year wait. With their special attacking qualities, this duo is expected to breathe new life into the Arsenal squad this season.
Arsenal opened the season impressively with 2 wins, including the 5-0 victory over Leeds, when Viktor Gyokeres scored a double, showing that the "Gunners" have a real striker after many years of searching.
However, concerns remain. Bukayo Saka is suffering from a hamstring injury and could be out for a few weeks. Martin Odegaard has a shoulder injury and is still doubtful to play. Meanwhile, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are also absent due to injury. In that context, Eze could immediately start, shoulder the creative task of replacing Odegaard.
A solid defensive framework, having been the defense that conceded at least 1 goal last season, is still a fulcrum. In addition, the Gunners' midfield is also highly appreciated with Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi.
The hottest point of this match was in the midfield area when Liverpool owned Gravenberch - Szoboszlai with the ability to compete and pull the ball very well. This will give Wirtz more creativity in the final third.
On the other side of the front line, Arsenal do not have the service of Odegaard but still have Mikel Merino as a quality name that can replace the Norwegian conductor. In addition, the duo Rice and Zubimendi are playing better and better, they will have the task of balancing between recovering the ball and launching an attack.
The two wing corridors also decide the situation when Salah will face Calafiori. Meanwhile, if Saka is absent, Arsenal will be forced to rely on Ezeard or Trossard to replace him to make a difference.
Ryan Gravenberch's opponent in this match will be Declan Rice. The English star has always shown stable performance since appearing in the Premier League and his versatility is no less than his Liverpool counterpart.
Up front, Eze's appearance will be an important highlight with his contribution in his ability to create breakthroughs and creativity in the final third of the field. Having a big spearhead "in a hammock" like Gyokeres is also a favorable condition for Eze to have unexpected passes or combinations.
Both teams have strong attack lines but the personnel situation may not make the match too open from the start. Liverpool are likely to take the initiative to press, taking advantage of the speed of Wirtz - Salah - Ekitike to hit the space behind Arsenal's defense.
Arsenal have to play at Anfield so they will prioritize keeping the ball and slowing down to avoid falling into the home team's "pressing trap". If Saka and Odegaard are absent, they could have to rely heavily on Rice Eze Gyokeres to create chances.
