The Premier League's biggest fixture of the new year takes place tonight, Thursday, January 8, 2026, as league leaders Arsenal host the defending champions Liverpool. Kick-off is set for 20:00 GMT.
Following midweek draws for Manchester City and Aston Villa, the Gunners have a golden opportunity to move eight points clear at the top of the table. For Liverpool, the aim is to salvage their season; sitting 14 points behind Arsenal, Arne Slot’s side is now fighting primarily to secure their spot in the top four.
Match Details: Kick-off & Official Info
Competition: Premier League (Matchday 21)
Date: Thursday, January 8, 2026
Kick-off: 20:00 GMT / 15:00 ET
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
Referee: Anthony Taylor (VAR: John Brooks)
Broadcast: Sky Sports Main Event (UK), Peacock (US)
The Storyline: Arsenal’s Fortress vs. The Depleted Holders
Arsenal: The Title within Reach
Mikel Arteta’s side has been almost perfect at home this season, winning 14 of their 15 matches at the Emirates. They enter tonight on a five-game winning streak, most recently grinding out a 3–2 win over Bournemouth. With Declan Rice in world-class form and Bukayo Saka aiming to become the first Arsenal player to score in four consecutive home games against Liverpool, the mood in North London is electric.
Liverpool: An Attacking Crisis
While the Reds are on a nine-game unbeaten run, their title defense has largely collapsed due to a staggering injury list. Arne Slot arrives at the Emirates without his three primary attacking threats. The "Slot-ball" era has brought more control and possession (a league-high 61.6%), but they have struggled to convert that into wins recently, following frustrating draws against Leeds and Fulham.
Team News & AFCON Absentees
Arsenal Team News
Returnees: Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard are expected to return to the starting XI after being benched for rotation against Bournemouth.
Injury Update: Kai Havertz is "very close" to a return but may start on the bench. Riccardo Calafiori, Cristhian Mosquera, and Max Dowman are officially out.
Standout Performer: Deadline-day signing Piero Hincapié is set to continue at left-back after being described as "immense" by Arteta.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapié; Ødegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyökeres, Trossard.
Liverpool Team News
Attacking Void: Mohamed Salah is at AFCON with Egypt. Alexander Isak (leg fracture) is out long-term, and Hugo Ekitiké (hamstring) is a major doubt after failing to train on Wednesday.
Midfield/Defense: Florian Wirtz is nursing a hamstring issue but is expected to play through the pain. Wataru Endo and Giovanni Leoni (ACL) remain sidelined.
Selection Note: Jeremie Frimpong is a candidate to start on the right wing to provide extra pace on the counter.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Bradley, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Frimpong, Gakpo, Wirtz.
Head-to-Head (H2H) & Key Stats
Earlier this season: Liverpool defeated Arsenal 1–0 at Anfield in August thanks to a Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick.
Recent Emirates Record: Arsenal has won the last two league meetings between these sides in North London (3–1 and 3–2).
Set-Piece Struggle: Liverpool has conceded 12 goals from set-pieces this season—the most in the league—while Arsenal is statistically the most dangerous team from dead-ball situations.
The "200" Milestone: The next goal scored in this fixture will be the 200th Premier League goal between Arsenal and Liverpool.
Tactical Analysis: Set-Piece Supremacy
The defining battle of the night will likely be Arsenal's set-piece routines against Liverpool's zonal marking. With the Reds' defense struggling in the air and Arsenal boasting specialists like Gabriel and Saliba, a corner or free-kick could easily decide the game.
Liverpool will likely adopt a more conservative mid-block than usual, hoping to use the speed of Cody Gakpo and Jeremie Frimpong to exploit the space behind Arsenal's high-pressing full-backs. However, without the clinical finishing of Salah or Isak, the burden on Gakpo to lead the line is immense.
Match Prediction
Arsenal is in the "champion's habit" of winning games even when not at their best. Combined with Liverpool's missing firepower and their poor record at the Emirates (just 4 wins in their last 25 visits), it is hard to see past a home victory that could effectively end the title race as a contest.
Final Score Prediction: Arsenal 2–0 Liverpool
