Liverpool will look to underline their title credentials in the Premier League when they host Arsenal at Anfield on Saturday, 29 December 2018, kick-off at 19h30 CAT.
Liverpool have enjoyed a brilliant festive-season period thus far – not only in terms of their own results, but also in regards to the back-to-back defeats suffered by title rivals Manchester City.
The Reds’ 2-0 and 4-0 wins over Wolverhampton Wanderers and Newcastle United respectively has seen them open up a six-point gap at the top of the log (with Tottenham Hotspur now their nearest chasers, rather than Pep Guardiola’s Citizens).
Yet Jurgen Klopp’s team still have significant work to do in this busy period of the season, with Arsenal’s visit to Merseyside on Saturday followed by a trip to City’s Etihad Stadium next Thursday – if ‘Pool emerge unscathed (or even better, with all six points) from the two matches, then they will surely be installed as the new, clear favourites for the Championship.
Challenging for the league title is probably beyond Unai Emery’s Arsenal at this stage of their development, but they have nonetheless made major strides under the Spaniard this season and the chance to test themselves at Anfield against the current form team in England should be one they relish.
The Gunners drew 1-1 away to Brighton & Hove Albion in midweek – a respectable result, but one which alludes to their position as up-and-comers rather than true challengers for honours. Emery is also getting used to his first festive-season schedule and the balancing act of rotation, fatigue and momentum it requires from a manager in terms of team selection.
In head-to-head stats, Liverpool and Arsenal have met in 53 Premier League matches. The Reds have claimed 19 wins compared to 15 for the Gunners, while 19 games have been drawn.
The teams’ most recent meeting was a Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium in November which ended 1-1. James Milner’s opener for the Reds was cancelled out by Alexandre Lacazette’s equaliser.
Liverpool v Arsenal – Head-to-head, Premier League
Matches played 53
Liverpool wins 19
Arsenal wins 15
Draws 19
Last five results (Premier League only, most recent first)
| Liverpool | W | W | W | W | W |
| Arsenal | D | W | L | W | D |