How Will Liverpool Line Up For Test Of Title Defence Against Arsenal?

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MAY 11: Arne Slot, Manger of Liverpool, shakes hands with Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, prior to the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Arsenal FC at Anfield on May 11, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Liverpool FC via Getty Images

The Premier League has thrown up a huge game early in the season as defending champion Liverpool faces last season’s runner-up, and expected 2025/26 challenger, Arsenal, on Sunday.

Liverpool won its first two Premier League games of the season, but has not done so in the most convincing fashion.

These games have, though, been dramatic, exciting, and entertaining, with eleven goals scored across matches against Bournemouth (4-2) and Newcastle (3-2).

Sunday’s opponent, Arsenal, is yet to concede this season, defeating Manchester United 1-0 in its Premier League opener and following that up with a 5-0 win against Leeds United.

Liverpool will have its work cut out against Mikel Arteta’s side, which is known for its stout defence and, as shown by those five goals against Leeds, can score, too.

It will be important that Arne Slot approaches the game with the right balance in his side, and he does have a few decisions to make when it comes to team selection, meaning his starting XI could differ from previous games.

Goalkeeper and Defence

Alisson will keep his place in goal, and Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate are likely to remain as the center-back pairing for now, but there are decisions for Slot to make in both full-back positions.

Dominik Szoboszlai was one of Liverpool’s standout players in the 3-2 win at Newcastle on Monday, despite playing out of position.

The Hungarian was able to use the drive and ability on the ball he shows when playing in his more natural midfield position, to operate as an all-action full-back, drifting into midfield when needed while also motoring up and down the flank.

If Szoboszlai weren’t such a good midfielder, it seems he would make a brilliant right-back, and might have to play there once again as Conor Bradley is only just returning from an injury and it might be a risk to throw him straight back in in such a demanding game.

At left-back, Milos Kerkez has not convinced since coming into the side having joined from Bournemouth in the summer, and Slot might be tempted to go with Andy Robertson in a game such as this. The experienced Scotland international has also been announced as the club’s vice-captain for this season.

Midfield

Liverpool might be looking to bolster its squad depth in defence and in attack before the transfer window closes on Monday, but Slot has several options in midfield, and this might be where there is more uncertainty around team selection.

Szoboszlai slotting in at right back might make for an easier choice, so it’s likely to be between Alexis MacAllister or Curtis Jones, with Ryan Gravenberch almost certain to play as the defensive midfielder in a game against such a strong opponent.

Florian Wirtz is yet to set the Premier League alight, but he has shown obvious signs of quality despite those signs not yet resulting in goals or assists. This game would be the perfect time to do so and he’s sure to start.

Attack

The Liverpool forward line looks pretty set early on in the season, mainly because Slot currently has very few options in this area.

Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha have made big impacts off the bench against Bournemouth and Newcastle respectively, but neither is likely to start a league game just yet.

This means the front three picks itself.

Liverpool’s possible starting 11 versus Arsenal: Alisson; Szoboszlai, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Salah, Ekitike, Gakpo.