Depleted Arsenal welcomes high-flying Liverpool

Depleted Arsenal hosts Liverpool in a crucial Premier League clash, with injuries testing both sides as they battle for top spot

Arsenal's Ricardo Calafiori falls to the turf in their 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday, ruling the Italian out of the crucial encounter against Liverpool on Sunday. (Photo credit: @arsenal)

This Sunday, a depleted Arsenal welcomes Liverpool to the Emirates, putting their early-season ambitions under the spotlight. 

Arsenal enters the match weakened, having just lost 2-0 to Bournemouth in a frustrating game that saw key defender William Saliba sent off. 

Without Saliba, and with both Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jurien Timber sidelined, Arsenal’s defensive options are stretched thin.

Mikel Arteta, speaking on Friday, noted the need to adjust Arsenal’s defensive structure, especially against Liverpool’s potent attack led by Mohamed Salah. 

Arsenal’s midfield is also diminished, with Martin Odegaard and Ricardo Calafiori out of contention and Bukayo Saka's status still uncertain despite returning to training. 

Liverpool, on the other hand, comes in with momentum, fresh off a 2-1 win over Chelsea, which vaulted them to the top of the league.

Arne Slot confirmed that Diogo Jota will miss Sunday’s game, yet Liverpool remains confident.

While it’s early in the season, this fixture is critical. 

A loss could place Arsenal seven points behind Liverpool, putting pressure on their title chase. 

Yet, a win at the Emirates could cut the gap to just one point, giving Arsenal a psychological boost. 

Manchester City, also in the title race, plays Southampton, and many expect them to win, adding weight to Sunday’s fixture for Arsenal.

If depleted Arsenal can withstand Liverpool’s attack, they prove they’re genuine contenders. 

For Liverpool, emerging unscathed would further solidify their title credentials.