Arsenal visit Liverpool after Fleetwood penalty exit, without Bukayo Saka

Arsenal, the reigning champions, travel to Anfield on Sunday, 1 November, for a Premier League match against Liverpool, the 2025 winners. Both clubs were involved in League Cup ties decided on penalties at the end of October, and the outcome of Arsenal's tie has shaped the build-up.

A cup exit to a fourth-tier side

Arsenal lost 3-5 on penalties at Fleetwood Town on Tuesday, 27 October, after the tie finished 1-1 in normal time. Aaron Loupalo-Bi gave the hosts the lead in the 21st minute, and Viktor Gyökeres equalised for Arsenal in the 50th. Kai Havertz converted his spot kick, but Bruno Guimarães missed his, and Fleetwood, a club in the fourth tier, went through. Max Dowman was sent off late in the match for violent conduct, according to Focus, and is now suspended for the Liverpool fixture.

Liverpool's shoot-out win over Chelsea

Liverpool progressed to the League Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday, 28 October, beating Chelsea 6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Morgan Rogers scored from the spot in the 40th minute, and Cody Gakpo converted a handball penalty in the 44th. Wesley Fofana became the figure of the shoot-out when he sent Chelsea's eighth penalty over the bar, having already conceded a penalty earlier in the match. The win ended a four-game winless run in all competitions for Liverpool, and Andoni Iraola's side now face Arteta's team as the mood at the club has changed.

Injuries and form

Arsenal are without Bukayo Saka, who is injured, while Noni Madueke and Chrístos Tzólis are doubtful and Max Dowman is suspended. Mikel Arteta may have to rework his wide options before kick-off. Alexander Isak has scored five Premier League goals in his last five appearances for Liverpool, and his side faces an Arsenal defence led by Gabriel Magalhães and Ezri Konsa that has not conceded in its last three matches. Arsenal have not won at Liverpool since 2012, a season in which Arteta was part of the Arsenal midfield.

Table position and stakes

Before kick-off Arsenal are second in the Premier League on 21 points, level with City, which Focus notes they could overtake for the top spot. Liverpool sit fifth on 15 points and need a home win to stay in contention. A Liverpool win would move them to within three points of the champions, according to The Independent.

Arsenal21

Liverpool15

Arsenal

21 points

Liverpool

15 points

Data from the article text

Sunday's fixture

The match is the only top-flight fixture on Sunday, 1 November, according to The New York Times. RTBF's live commentary begins at 17:30, and Focus frames the game around a duel between Wirtz and Havertz. The result will show whether Arsenal can recover from the cup defeat or whether Liverpool can close the gap on the table.