Liverpool are set to face what looks like one of their toughest challenges of the campaign when they head to the Emirates Stadium on Thursday night to take on Premier League leaders Arsenal.
The Gunners arrive full of confidence after increasing their lead over Manchester City to six points in recent days, firmly strengthening their grip at the top of the table.
Liverpool, by contrast, have endured a frustrating start to 2026, with consecutive draws against Leeds United and Fulham slowing the momentum they had been steadily building throughout December.
Those dropped points have forced a reassessment of expectations at Anfield. Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge has admitted, somewhat reluctantly, that the Reds are now more realistically battling for a top-four finish and Champions League qualification rather than mounting a genuine title charge.
BBC Sport pundit Chris Sutton has added to the external pressure by predicting a comfortable 2-0 win for Arsenal. Writing in his weekly column, Sutton argued that Mikel Arteta’s side are operating on a completely different level to Liverpool this season.
He suggested that few people now see Arne Slot’s team as serious title contenders, despite their position in fourth place, and questioned their ability to string together a long run of victories. Sutton went as far as labelling Liverpool a “bang-average” side this term, insisting that Arsenal should be capable of exposing their weaknesses with relative ease.
Although he noted that the league leaders have not had consistent output from Viktor Gyökeres in attack, Sutton claimed it has not hindered them, as they continue to grind out wins regardless.
Ironically, such criticism may actually work in Liverpool’s favour. Managers often speak about using negative predictions as motivation, and Slot could well use Sutton’s comments to fuel his squad. Based purely on form and league position, Arsenal are deserved favourites, and it is unusual for Liverpool to enter a Premier League fixture with such little external expectation placed upon them.
That underdog status could prove beneficial. Arsenal will feel the pressure to dominate the game, particularly on home soil, and that responsibility to take the initiative may create opportunities for Liverpool to exploit.
The reverse fixture at Anfield earlier in the season saw Arteta’s side adopt a more cautious approach, something they are unlikely to repeat in front of their own fans.
Furthermore, if Manchester City and Aston Villa secure victories the night before, Arsenal will be under even greater obligation to respond with three points.
From a tactical standpoint, Liverpool may also find more space to attack than they have in recent matches. Leeds and Fulham both sat deep and defended in numbers, frustrating Slot’s side, whereas an attack-minded Arsenal could leave gaps to be punished on the counter.
Despite their inconsistencies this season, Liverpool should not approach this fixture with fear. Even in a difficult campaign, they have recorded impressive wins over Arsenal, Aston Villa, Real Madrid and Inter Milan, all without conceding a goal.
The quality within the squad remains, and if they can rise to the occasion, the reigning champions are more than capable of upsetting the odds and reigniting the title race by proving their doubters wrong on Thursday night.
