Liverpool host Arsenal in the Premier League as the champions aim to end their long winless run at Anfield.

The Gunners have not won at Liverpool since 2012, when Mikel Arteta himself as part of Arsenal’s midfield. But the champions arrive on Merseyside following Tuesday night’s shock Carabao Cup exit at Fleetwood and with absences in attack, with Bukayo Saka out, Noni Madueke a doubt and Max Dowman suspended.

The mood at Liverpool has turned since a four-game winless run in all competitions was followed by knocking Chelsea out of the Carabao Cup on penalties in midweek. Victory for Andoni Iraola over his fellow Basque coach Arteta would move the Reds just three points behind the champions in the table.

Alexander Isak is enjoying his best run since arriving at Liverpool, with five Premier League goals in his last five appearances, but faces an Arsenal defence led by the new partnership of Gabriel Magalhaes and Ezri Konsa that has not conceded a goal in their last three matches.

Liverpool v Arsenal LIVE

To Anfield, for a clash of champions and (potential) challengers. Liverpool’s chances of mounting a title charge feel to be gathering steam as Andoni Iraola’s squad settles in under the manager – and there would be no better way to make their intentions clear than against an Arsenal side facing a few injury and unavailability headaches after a strange week.

Kick off is at 4.30pm GMT.