Date of Tips: 05/01/2026
Disclaimer The odds for these selections were correct at the time of publishing (14:36 05/01/2026) but may have changed since. Please check the latest price before placing your bet.
Arsenal FC
v Liverpool FC 
Emirates Stadium
Premier League Matchday 21 
08-01-2026 20:00
Arsenal Form
Liverpool Form
Thursday night under the lights at the Emirates brings a huge 8pm clash as league leaders Arsenal welcome fourth-placed Liverpool, who’ll be desperate to close the gap. This Arsenal vs Liverpool prediction looks at how these two actually match up right now, with team news, likely lineups, and where the smart betting angles might be.
Let’s start with Arsenal. Mikel Arteta has his side playing with real control. Top of the Premier League, best defensive record, and barely dropping a point at home all season. That’s not luck.
Declan Rice is the heartbeat here. England international, and coming off a monster performance last weekend. Martin Ødegaard is Arsenal captain and runs the tempo. When Arsenal slow it down, it’s usually his foot on the ball. He’s also the main free-kick taker around the box. From the spot, Bukayo Saka usually takes responsibility, though Ødegaard has taken penalties before when Saka’s not on the pitch.
Up front, Viktor Gyökeres is Arsenal’s focal point. Strong, direct, always on the move. Add Gabriel Martinelli’s pace and Noni Madueke’s direct running, and you’ve got threats on all fronts. Defensively, Saliba and Gabriel remain one of the most reliable centre-back pairings in the league. David Raya, Spain international and Arsenal’s number one recently got moved up the rankings as the third best keeper in the world.
Liverpool arrive with questions. Arne Slot is still shaping this side. They’ve shown resilience, but away from home it’s been patchy. Virgil van Dijk, now 34, still leads the line and will be crucial here. He’s already framed this as a “big fight,” which tells you everything about the expected tone.
In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister does a lot of the quiet work. He’s often Liverpool’s penalty taker when Mohamed Salah isn’t involved. Set-pieces usually fall to Dominik Szoboszlai, whose delivery can change games even when Liverpool aren’t at their best. Cody Gakpo is likely to lead the line again, supported by Florian Wirtz drifting inside. Injuries and fatigue have forced Slot to shuffle roles, and that lack of continuity shows at times.
Arsenal XI:
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapié; Zubimendi, Rice; Ødegaard; Madueke, Martinelli, Gyökeres
Liverpool XI:
Alisson; Bradley, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones; Mac Allister; Szoboszlai, Gakpo, Wirtz
Nothing too wild here. Arsenal look settled. Liverpool look flexible, maybe a bit stretched.
This game feels tighter than the league table suggests. Arsenal will have the ball. Liverpool will try to stay compact and hit moments rather than dominate territory. Think back to the reverse fixture. One goal. Few clear chances. A lot of control battles in midfield.
Arsenal’s strength right now is patience. They don’t rush. They don’t panic. Liverpool, on the other hand, have conceded some strange goals this season, often late, often from situations that looked harmless.
This isn’t screaming goals. Arsenal don’t need chaos and Liverpool don’t want it. Both managers value structure and both defences are capable of slowing elite attacks.
If you’re looking at angles, consider a lower scoring game where both sides remain cautious and aim to slow momentum. Expect spells of control, broken up by moments rather than waves.
The strongest angle remains Under 2.5 goals. These sides respect each other too much. Arsenal are happy to win 1-0. Don’t expect an early goal to open the floodgates either. If anything, it tightens things further.
Match Prediction: Arsenal to win. Bet with bet365.
A narrow Arsenal win feels right. 1-0 or 2-0. Liverpool staying in the game without ever fully grabbing it. Our correct score tips always take into consideration the expected match flow first, then consider whether the odds are worth taking.
Correct Score Pick: Arsenal 1-0 Liverpool.
Correct Score Prediction: Arsenal 1-0 Liverpool. Bet with bet365.
Under goals aligns with everything we know. Arsenal’s defence. Liverpool’s cautious approach away. The stakes. The recent meetings. Sometimes football is simple when you strip it back.
Under 2.5 Goals feels very realistic here.
Over/Under Prediction: Under 2.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.
Arsenal to avoid defeat. Under 2.5 goals. Long spells without a goal. That kind of builder reflects how this match is likely to play out.
Bet Builder Tip: Arsenal double chance, under 2.5 goals, and Leandro Trossard to score anytime. Bet with bet365.
Key Stats
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Visit our football previews & predictions page for more betting tips on upcoming matches.
Arsenal look better placed, especially at home, but margins should be tight.
Kick-off is at 20:00 UK time on January 8th.
At the Emirates Stadium in London.
A narrow Arsenal win, possibly 1-0.
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