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Confirmed Liverpool XI vs Arsenal: Ekitiké Out as Frimpong Starts at the Emirates

Official Liverpool starting XI vs Arsenal featuring Alisson, Van Dijk, and Gakpo, January 8, 2026.

Arne Slot has only one change from the draw vs.Leeds as Jeremie Frimpong starts in the midfield in place of Curtis Jones. That means Hugo Ekitiké was not able to come back from an injury as was hoped. That means Cody Gakpo will be called on again up top to be the main attacking threat for the Reds.

Arsenal Lineup

Starters Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Trossard, Gyokeres 

Liverpool Confirmed Starting XI

Starters:  Alisson, VanDijk, Konate, Kerkez, Wirtz, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Bradley, Gakpo, Frimpong, Gravenberch

The Substitutes Bench

Substitutes: Mamardashvili, Woodman, Gomez, Chiesa, Jones, Roberton, Nyoni, Ramsay, Ngumoha.

The Verdict

Not having Ekitiké is a huge blow in what was already going to be an uphill battle for the Reds, but I still expect Liverpool to put up a fight. However, if the Reds are close to a result, Slot may shift out of the 4-2-3-1 to a more defensive posture to see out the points.

Where To Watch

Match InfoUK BroadcastUS BroadcastCanada Broadcast
Kick-off8:00 PM GMT 3:00 PM ET 3:00 PM ET
TV ChannelSky Sports Main Event Peacock (Stream)FuboTV
Live StreamSky Go / NOW Peacock FuboTV Canada

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