Arne Slot change, Bukayo Saka worry, Man City truth - Arsenal vs Liverpool score prediction
Liverpool return to the capital this afternoon looking to beat Arsenal and return to the top of the Premier League. The Reds slipped to second after Manchester City's win over Southampton on Saturday afternoon, but can restore their place at the summit with a win at the Emirates Stadium.
Many have suggested that this is the biggest test of Arne Slot's tenure to date, after navigating almost seamlessly through their first eight Premier League games. A disappointing showing at home to Nottingham Forest is the only blemish on the Dutchman's record, so far, while the ex-Feyenoord head coach will be hoping that a second reverse isn't added to that tally.
The encounter in north London ends the ninth game week of the Premier League campaign - so far - while it marks the latest challenge in a gruelling run for the Reds. Already, Liverpool have seen off the challenge of Chelsea and RB Leipzig, but there's more to come with a domestic cup and top-flight double-header with Brighton, as well as Bayer Leverkusen and Aston Villa on the horizon.
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Liverpool are looking to avenge their 3-1 defeat at the Emirates Stadium, eight months ago, and in doing so they would see them continue as the early season pace-setters. Ahead of the match, ECHO writers have predicted the outcome as the countdown to kick-off continues;
Stephen Killen
As a sceptic, it's almost impossible to think positively ahead of the game - especially against Arsenal. Both teams got one over each other last season, with Liverpool's coming in the FA Cup, but there's no doubt that this is Slot's toughest task so far as Reds head coach.
You never quite know what Liverpool team will turn up on the day - over the years it has been good, bad and ugly from the Reds in these top-of-the-table clashes. There's a lot of talk from Liverpool players about being considered quiet contenders for the Premier League crown, if they want to be taken seriously on the matter, they have to win games like this and keep the onus on their rivals for the rest of the season.
There is a lot at stake, you expect that this could be the type of fixture that brings fireworks. After all, there have been some memorable matches between the two in the past.
Score prediction: Arsenal 2-3 Liverpool
Liam Wood
Suggestions that this game is a must-win for Arsenal is, perhaps, wide of the mark given the title race is still in its early stages. It might be better to bill it as a must-not-lose.
A point would be a good result for each team and, while Liverpool have pretty much swept all before them so far this season, their more 'measured' approach under Slot lends itself to tight contests against the big boys. That was the case last time out against Chelsea, but Arsenal are a little more streetwise, and especially so on home turf.
Score prediction: Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool
James Quinlan
Arriving into this next stint of the season Liverpool's fixture schedule provided plenty of reasons to be pessimistic, but actually Slot and his Reds seem to find a way to crush any sort of doubts us pundits might see every time they take to the field. Even if performances aren't to optimal standards, they just aren't losing.
But you never know away to Arsenal - since Mikel Arteta has got them challenging for the highest honours it has been quite a difficult place to go for Liverpool. The hope would be the Slot's more reserved, controlled style when compared to anything Jurgen Klopp took to the Emirates Stadium will get them over the line.
There isn't the pressure of the title race that is being suggested, as we are still so early in the season, but with the injuries they've had - even if the likes of Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber do return - it's simply an opportunity they have to capitalise on.
Score prediction: Arsenal 1-2 Liverpool
Matthew Abbott
The Reds will rarely have a better chance to win against the Gunners in north London than they do today. They could be without arguably their three best players; Odegaard, Saliba and, potentially, Saka.
Their recent home record against Liverpool has also hardly been as imperious as it once was, with Klopp's team winning thrice in three competitions over the last three years. It is by far the most significant challenge for Slot - but so was the trip to Old Trafford, the game in Milan, the visit of Chelsea, and Wednesday's match with Leipzig.
Score prediction: Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
Keifer MacDonald
The tests keep on coming for Slot at Liverpool. And this afternoon's game at the Emirates Stadium is, without a doubt, his toughest since taking over the reins at Anfield earlier this year.
But the Reds have no reason to fear Arsenal - who could be with several first-team players, including Calafiori and Saka - as they take to the capital with the aim of proving their credentials as genuine Premier League title hopefuls.
Liverpool have enjoyed the mantle as the unlikely Premier League title challengers in the early weeks so far this campaign but should they defeat Arsenal this afternoon - just seven days on from that 2-1 win over Chelsea - it's fair to say that they would step out of the darkness and into the light for the rest of the division to see.
It might not be the way Slot likes, instead preferring to go about this campaign under the radar, but there would be no denying that they are City's closest challengers for the throne if they make a statement in north London on Sunday afternoon.
Prediction: Arsenal 1-3 Liverpool