…as Arsenal face Liverpool fury

Arsenal will look to strengthen their Premier League title credentials when they visit Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, with the Gunners aiming to exploit the hosts’ injury problems and extend their impressive start to the campaign.

Mikel Arteta’s side have won seven of their opening eight league matches, collecting 21 points to sit second in the table, while Liverpool have managed 15 points from the same number of games after four wins, three draws and one defeat.

The contrasting records make Arsenal favourites on paper, but a trip to Anfield remains one of the toughest assignments in English football, particularly against a Liverpool side eager to build momentum after recent setbacks.

Liverpool head into the encounter following victories over Brentford and Brighton, having recovered from a disappointing 3-0 home defeat to Manchester City earlier this month.

Their 2-0 win over Brighton last weekend provided encouragement, but the injury situation threatens to complicate their preparations.

The Reds are expected to be without Jeremie Frimpong, Dominik Szoboszlai and Hugo Ekitike, while Florian Wirtz faces a fitness test after suffering an ankle problem against Brighton. Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley are also listed among the absentees, with Víctor Muñoz a doubt.

Alexander Isak is expected to lead the attack, supported by Cody Gakpo, Wirtz, if fit, and Bradley Barcola.

Liverpool will need their attacking players to make the most of their opportunities against an Arsenal side that has conceded only five goals in eight league matches.

Arsenal also have injury concerns of their own. Bukayo Saka is expected to miss the contest after suffering a thigh injury, while William Saliba remains sidelined with a back problem. Christos Tzolis is also unavailable, and Riccardo Calafiori faces a late fitness assessment.

Kai Havertz is projected to lead the line, with Noni Madueke, Martin Ødegaard and Eberechi Eze providing attacking support.

Declan Rice and Bruno Guimarães are expected to operate in midfield, where their ability to control possession could prove crucial.

The tactical battle promises to be fascinating, with both teams expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Liverpool will look to use Wirtz’s creativity between the lines, while Arsenal could rely on Ødegaard and Eze to exploit spaces behind the hosts’ midfield.

The absence of Saka is a significant blow to Arsenal’s attacking options, but Madueke’s pace and Eze’s ability to carry the ball could still trouble Liverpool’s defence.

At the other end, Isak’s recent scoring form offers the hosts hope of breaching the Gunners’ backline. History, however, favours Liverpool at Anfield.

Arsenal have not won a Premier League match at the venue since September 2012, having failed to secure victory in their subsequent 13 visits.

Liverpool have also dominated the overall league head- to-head record, winning 26 of the 68 meetings, compared with Arsenal’s 18, while 24 ended in draws.

Nevertheless, Arsenal’s superior league form gives them reason to believe they can end that unwanted run.

Their seven victories from eight matches underline their consistency, while Liverpool’s injury problems could make it difficult for the hosts to sustain pressure throughout the contest.

Despite Arsenal’s advantage in the standings, Liverpool’s home support and attacking quality should ensure a competitive encounter.

Neither side is expected to enjoy complete control, with the outcome likely to depend on which team makes better use of its opportunities.

A draw could therefore be a realistic outcome, although Arsenal will fancy their chances of taking all three points if their midfield can dictate the tempo