Liverpool head to the Emirates Stadium aware of both the challenge and the opportunity presented by the division’s current frontrunners. Despite sitting well behind Arsenal in the table, they remain active in multiple competitions and see this meeting as a chance to reset momentum and reaffirm belief for the rest of the season.
Ekitike uncertainty and squad fitness
Arne Slot confirmed that Hugo Ekitike remains a doubt, with hamstring discomfort preventing him from training ahead of the match. As Liverpool’s leading scorer this season, his absence would be significant, and his availability depends on whether he can return to full training in time. With fixtures arriving rapidly, the margin for recovery remains fine and uncertain.
Slot also acknowledged that defensive options are stretched, noting that he currently has only two fully fit centre-backs. While not ideal, he stressed the need to accept the situation and highlighted the club’s strategy of smart squad building and trust in emerging talent.
Style debate and search for fluency
Liverpool have faced criticism for being “dull” or “boring”, a characterisation Slot admitted is hard to hear but not entirely unfair. He recognised that the team has struggled to create consistent chances, even while maintaining possession and control in periods of games.
The manager insisted that attacking intent remains central to his approach, stating that Liverpool continue to work daily to rediscover a more expressive, chance-creating identity, especially against opponents who sit deep or limit space.
Respect for Arsenal and competitive belief
Slot praised Arsenal as having “the complete package”, citing their ability to score from open play and set pieces, solid defensive record and tactical versatility. Yet he pointed to Liverpool’s victories over top sides, including Arsenal earlier in the season, as evidence that they can compete with the best.
Despite recent setbacks and late goals conceded, Liverpool remain convinced that they have the quality to make it a proper match at the Emirates. A positive result would inject confidence into domestic and European campaigns and help stabilise a season marked by inconsistency.
Liverpool travel south realistic about their challenges but motivated by the stage, the opponent and the potential turning point that a victory over the league leaders could represent.
