My Globe

Predicted Liverpool XI vs Arsenal: Cody Gakpo Starts Again as Reds Face League Leaders

Cody Gakpo in action for Liverpool ahead of the Premier League match against Arsenal at the Emirates.

Liverpool were already going to face challenges when they traveled to London to take on Arsenal on January 8th. The Gunners have won five straight games and lead the EPL by six points over Manchester City. Arsenal will also be looking for revenge after Liverpool beat them in the Reds’ unbeaten run to start the season, thanks to Dominik Szoboszlai’s free kick.

A Word From The Captain 

Virgil van Dijk spoke to the media and acknowledged the tough task ahead vs the Gunners.

“We all know at home they are unbeaten this season,” he said. “I think in all competitions. So it is a nice challenge, and we should be ready for a big fight. I’m really looking forward to it, and I think everyone should. That is the only way to try to get a result over there. There is no reason to not look forward to it, in my opinion. Another opportunity, but first recover and then we’ll focus on that.”

Team News

Arne Slot is hopeful that Hugo Ekitiké will be available up top in the 4-2-3-1 formation that has seen Liverpool unbeaten over the last nine matches in all competitions. He missed the draw with Fulham due to load management concerns and a slight hamstring issue. 

Joe Gomez is also healthy and will likely come on as a sub if the Reds are trying to see out a result. With Cody Gakpo playing so well, he will get another start, though he will drop back as an attacking midfielder if Ekitiké can go. As for other injuries, Slot says Wataru Endo is improving but likely still a few games away. 

Alexander Isak and Giovanni Leoni will be sidelined for months. Mohamed Salah has led Egypt to the knockout stages of the AFCON and is still away from the club. For the most up-to-date injury information, check out LFC Globe’s injury page.

Tactical Verdict

Don’t expect many changes from the Fulham match. Liverpool looked much better in attack than they did against Leeds. Also, Arsenal are not a team that you can sit back and defend for 90 minutes and hope to get a result. The only possible change is Cody Cakpo sliding in the attacking midfield role in place of Florian Wirtz, as Slot admitted Wirtz is logging a lot of minutes.

Predicted Liverpool XI to face Arsenal

Liverpool's predicted starting lineup in a 4-2-3-1 formation vs Arsenal.
How the Reds could line up to face the league leaders in North London.

Key Stat to Watch:  Arsenal have lost more times to Liverpool than any other club currently in the EPL.

Final Score Prediction: Arsenal 1 – 1 Liverpool

Star Man: Cody Gakpo

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

THE GLOBE ASKS · One tap

Liverpool v Arsenal

What should set the tone?

Choose your matchday perspective. Your record starts here.

Tap a choice to start your Matchday Pass.

Tactical context: pressing disrupts build-up. Midfield control and width offer other routes forward.

Next: make your score call →

One accepted choice per browser. Supporter perspectives, not a representative survey. Open My Globe

About LFC Globe

LFC Globe editorial team, providing the latest Liverpool FC features, news stories, match reports and more.

More stories by LFC Globe

The Liverpool brief

A little more Liverpool.

Independent reporting, the match ahead and the stories worth your time.

Latest Liverpool news

  • Liverpool v Arsenal: Match preview

    Liverpool v Arsenal: Match preview

    Liverpool and Arsenal meet each other at Anfield for a huge match on November 1st. A win by the Reds would see them go Top-3 on the table, while a loss would widen the gap between Man City and Arsenal at the top and the rest of the EPL. As big as the match is…

    Read story

  • Liverpool 1–1 Chelsea: What we learned and Andoni Iraola reaction

    Liverpool 1–1 Chelsea: What we learned and Andoni Iraola reaction

    Liverpool and Chelsea battled to a 1-1 draw in regulation, and Joe Gomez kicked the decisive penalty in a dramatic shootout 6-5. As a result, Liverpool advanced to the quarterfinals of the Carabao Cup, where they will face Andoni Iraola’s former club, Bournemouth, during the week of December 14th. Read the boss’ reaction to the…

    Read story

  • Liverpool 1–1 Chelsea Player Ratings (pens): Mamardashvili 8

    Liverpool 1–1 Chelsea Player Ratings (pens): Mamardashvili 8

    A pair of first half penalties, one by Chelsea’s Morgan Rogers and the other by Cody Gakpo ended the Carabao Cup match with Chelsea in a 1-1 draw. Then the Reds advanced to the next round with a 6-5 shootout victory. Joe Gomez scored the decisive kick and Giorgi Mamardahvili made a huge save to…

    Read story

More Liverpool news