Premier League (Matchday 3)
August 30, 2025 | 18:50PM (NPT)
Liverpool face a stern test in their third match of the 2025/26 Premier League season as Arsenal visit Anfield. Both teams have started the campaign with two wins from two, meaning at least one will drop their perfect record. Early-season clashes between these sides are often unpredictable, with both squads still finding their rhythm. A decisive victory here could deliver a significant psychological edge in the title race(Liverpool vs. Arsenal).
1. Injury Updates for Liverpool
Arne Slot provided encouraging news on Liverpool’s injury front. Alexis Mac Allister, absent for the recent win over Newcastle, has resumed training and is in contention. Conor Bradley, who made a substitute appearance at St James’ Park, has trained fully all week. Virgil van Dijk is also fit despite a heavy challenge from Anthony Gordon in the last match. However, no update was given on Jeremie Frimpong, who is expected to remain sidelined until after the international break.
2. Liverpool Team News
With Conor Bradley back, Slot faces a selection dilemma at right-back. Dominik Szoboszlai impressed in the role against Newcastle, but Bradley could reclaim his spot. Szoboszlai’s form might see him retained, allowing Curtis Jones or Alexis Mac Allister to join Ryan Gravenberch and Florian Wirtz in midfield. At left-back, Milos Kerkez’s impulsive play has raised concerns, potentially paving the way for Andy Robertson to start. Up top, Mo Salah, Hugo Ekitike, and Cody Gakpo are set to continue as the attacking trio.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Salah, Ekitike, Gakpo.
3. Arsenal’s Form
Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, have kicked off the season strongly, defeating Man United 1-0 away and crushing Leeds 5-0 at home. New signings Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, and Noni Madueke have hit the ground running, with Gyokeres scoring against Leeds. Arsenal’s challenge is to evolve beyond their cautious, set-piece-reliant style. Expect them to adopt a defensive approach at Anfield, using Gyokeres as a focal point on the counter, supported by Madueke and either Ethan Nwaneri or Eberechi Eze.
4. Arsenal Injury Concerns
Arsenal will be without Bukayo Saka, who suffered a hamstring injury against Leeds and faces several weeks out, though surgery is not required. Kai Havertz is also ruled out, while Martin Odegaard’s participation remains uncertain as he hasn’t trained this week. Arteta is hopeful his captain can feature, but a final call is pending.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Merino; Eze, Gyokeres, Madueke.
5. Set-Piece Concerns
Arsenal’s set-piece prowess is a worry for Liverpool. The Gunners have scored from three of their five corners this season and have netted from 33 corners since the 2023/24 season, far ahead of Liverpool’s 20. Slot acknowledged Liverpool’s recent struggles, having conceded four set-piece goals across their last three games, including a pre-season friendly against Bilbao. However, he remains confident, noting Liverpool’s strong set-piece defending last season.
6. Key Stats
- If Hugo Ekitike scores, he’d be the first Liverpool player since John Miller (1892/93) to score in his first four games for the club, including the Community Shield.
- Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 12 league home games against Arsenal, matching a club record set between 1975 and 1988.
- A goal for Mo Salah would see him overtake Andy Cole (187 goals) to claim fourth place in the Premier League’s all-time scoring charts with 188 goals.
7. Referee Details
Chris Kavanagh will officiate, supported by assistants Dan Cook and Wade Smith, with Sam Barrott as the fourth official. Michael Salisbury leads the VAR team, assisted by Sian Massey-Ellis. Liverpool have struggled in recent matches under Kavanagh, failing to win their last three, including a penalty shootout loss in the Community Shield, a defeat to Fulham, and a draw at Nottingham Forest.
8. Match Prediction
Arsenal’s record at Anfield is poor, with no league win in their last 12 visits (five draws, seven losses). However, they are unbeaten in their last six league games against Liverpool, their best run since 2007-2011. Despite this, Liverpool’s home form and attacking firepower give them the edge.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Arsenal.
9. TV and Streaming Info
- UK: Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Go app.
- US: NBC Sports, Peacock Premium.
- Nepal:Kantipur Max TV
Come on reds!