Liverpool vs. Arsenal: Surprise Starters and Tactical Shifts Set to Ignite Premier League Showdown

Oh, what a treat the football gods have handed us this Sunday at Anfield! Liverpool, the reigning kings of the Premier League, are all fired up to defend their crown after their sensational 2024-25 triumph under Arne Slot’s sharp guidance. Facing off against Arsenal—a squad buzzing with ambition after a strong Champions League run and a statement 5-0 thrashing of Leeds—this clash screams big time drama right outta the gate of the 2025-26 season. Both teams have stormed out of the blocks unbeaten, leaving fans salivating over what’s shaping up to be a titanic battle between two of the season’s prime title contenders. And let me just say, the summer spending splurge from both camps – over €300 million each! – has only cranked up the stakes and the expectations tenfold. This isn’t just a game; it’s a seismic event packed with passion, prowess, and prestige. Can the Reds capitalize on their momentum? Will Arteta’s Gunners prove their mettle once again? Buckle up—it’s going to be one rollercoaster ride you won’t want to miss. LEARN MORE .

Liverpool host Arsenal on Matchday 3 of the 2025-26 Premier League on Sunday at Anfield. With both sides off to perfect starts and widely considered title contenders, this early-season showdown already shapes up as the biggest game of the campaign so far.

The Reds are defending their crown after an impressive debut season under manager Arne Slot, lifting the 2024-25 Premier League title. They’ve opened the new campaign strong with wins over Bournemouth and Newcastle United, the latter secured by rising star Rio Nguhoma’s dramatic winner in the 100th minute.

Arsenal, meanwhile, enter what could be a defining season for Mikel Arteta’s tenure after reaching last season’s UEFA Champions League semifinals. Following a narrow 1-0 victory over Manchester United that left some fans unconvinced, the Gunners responded emphatically with a dominant 5-0 win over Leeds United, setting the stage for another clash with a Big Six rival.

Liverpool and Arsenal lead summer spending

Despite winning the league, Liverpool’s shortcomings in other competitions — including the Champions League — pushed the club into a bold summer of spending. The Reds splashed more than €300 million on reinforcements, headlined by Florian Wirtz (€125m) and Hugo Ekitike (€95m).

Florian Wirtz of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool at St James’ Park on August 25, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.

Arsenal mirrored that aggressive approach, investing nearly €300 million to strengthen Arteta’s squad. Their marquee additions include Martín Zubimendi from Real Sociedad (€70m), Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace (€69.3m), and Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting Lisbon (€65.8m), all expected to play key roles in elevating Arsenal’s title push.

see also

Most expensive transfers in Premier League history: From Pogba to Wirtz

Projected lineups for Liverpool and Arsenal

Liverpool’s projected lineups (4-2-3-1): Alisson Becker; Conor Bradley, Virgil Van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, Milos Kerkez; Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch; Mo Salah, Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo; Hugo Ekitike.
Head coach: Arne Slot.

Arsenal’s projected lineups (4-3-3): David Raya; Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Riccardo Calafiori; Martín Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze; Nonni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres, Leandro Trossard.
Head coach: Mikel Arteta.