Game Week 9 Predictions: Arsenal to beat Liverpool at the Emirates

Arsenal hosts Liverpool at Emirates in a must-win clash to prove title potential. With key players doubtful, Arsenal faces a confident Liverpool.

A fit Bukayo Saka could be of huge help to the Gunners on Sunday while the Gunners must be wary of Mohammed Salah's threat at the opposite end. (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

 Arsenal vs. Liverpool

Emirates Stadium

5:30pm

The Gunners will face the log leaders at the magnificent Emirates Stadium on Sunday; it’s a fixture that could underline their title credentials; whatever way you choose to look at it, it’s a game Arsenal must win.

Liverpool is in a good place; they have only dropped points once in eleven games this season, and that was the shock home defeat to Nottingham Forest in game week 3 in the Premier League. They’re not under pressure to win this one.

Arne Slot has filled the big shoes left by Jurgen Klopp and is already setting the stage for what could be an unprecedented title charge; a win at the Emirates on Sunday places them firmly in the lead.

Arsenal’s season isn’t one that requires a panic button yet; the loss at Bournemouth was one that came with ifs and buts, with William Saliba sent off for a debatable offence; they haven’t been firing, and their win in Europe in midweek wasn’t a vintage one.

Mikel Arteta has reassured supporters that they will witness a transformed Arsenal on Sunday; the situation has truly shifted; the days of extreme fear when Arsenal faces a top team are long gone, and in fact, the Gunners haven't suffered a loss against any of the traditional top sides in the past two seasons.

Both Bukayo Saka and Jurien Timber are awaiting late fitness tests to play in this match; their inclusion would significantly aid Arsenal's cause, given their significant absence during the anomaly at the Vitality Stadium last weekend.

Diogo Jota and Alisson Becker will not travel for this match due to injuries, but everyone else, except Federico Chiesa, is ready to take on the Gunners. Expect another Mohammed Salah masterclass as he enjoys playing the Gunners.

If Timber shifts Thomas Partey to right back, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino could play in midfield, with Ben White likely moving to the middle to partner Gabriel while Saliba serves his one-match ban.

If Bukayo Saka plays, he averages a goal contribution per game in all competitions this season; Liverpool must be wary of him. Arsenal fans won’t look forward to seeing Raheem Sterling in the lineup, as he has failed to offer anything of note since he joined.

Verdict: Both teams will score.