Liverpool vs Arsenal: All the data and trends from this blockbuster English Premier League

A blockbuster finish to Match Day 3 is on the cards in the English Premier League as reigning champions Liverpool host prime contenders Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday (August 31). Clashes between the two sides have seldom been short of entertainment and it should be more of the same this time as well. Both sides have begun their season with successive wins and Arsenal could have aa chance to go on top of the table if they win today, given their commendable goal difference. Liverpool too has that chance but they will have to win by a mammoth margin for that to materialise. As these are early days, the table-topper incentive is not that relevant but neither side will want a defet as it impacts the title race.

Arsenal weren't that convincing in their season opener against Manchester United but what matters is that Mikel Arteta's men were able to come out with the crucial three points, courtesy a 1-0 win at Old Trafford. However, the Gunners were in top form in their fixture against newly promoted Leeds United, giving them a 5-0 hammering at the Emirates. That win showed the attacking prowess of the Arsenal side who are missing Bukayako Saka and Martin Odegard due to injuries. The duo are set to miss the Liverpool clash as well. With the new transfer window signings making an instant impact, Arteta will hope for his side to continue the momentum.

While Arsenal's backline have been steady, Liverpool's has been off the mark in both the games so far. There are definite defensive vulnerabilities but the Reds have enviable firepower to compensate for those lapses. This was on display in both of their high-scoring wins of 4-2 and 3-2 respectively. However, against a strong Arsenal side who defend solidly, Arne Slot will want his men to show more discipline at the back, as catching up may not be easy against the Gunners. They were under-par against Bournemouth and Newcastle United but the good thing for the reigning champions is that they found a way to win under extreme pressure. That should boost their morale going forward.

Tactics

Arsenal's 4-3-3 style under Arteta has drastic differences depending on attack and defence respectively. They believe in maintaining a rock solid shape for most parts but have the attacking quality to make brisk transitions. Set-pieces have always been their strength and it should be no different in this clash. Liverpool have Dominik Szoboszlai and Milos Kerkez as right-back and left-back respectively, and both were under extreme pressure against Newcastle United. They could be under the pump once more against Arsenal's versatile attackers, all of whom are pacy and tricky to handle. Meanwhile, Liverpool's attacking unit also boast of world-class quality but it could be their battle with Arsenal's solid backline that would make or break this game. It could be a neck-to-neck contest.

Last 5 games head-to-head in the EPL

9/4/2023  -  Liverpool 2 Arsenal 2

23/12/2023 - Liverpool 1 Arsenal 1

4/2/2024   - Arsenal 3 Liverpool 1

27/10/2024 - Arsenal 2 Liverpool 2

11/5/2025  - Liverpool 2 Arsenal 2

 

Prediction and goal trends

With both sides boasting of great attackers in their ranks, this game has the potential to be a high-scoring game. Historical data has also suggested the same  trend with four of the last five games seeing four goals scored in the game. Both are title contenders, so there could be a line of caution but then, these are early days in the season. Hence, we could expect a reasonably open game. Slot's men might just do enough to get all three points, with the Anfield crowd egging them on.

Prediction: Liverpool 2 Arsenal 1