Liverpool fittingly return to Anfield for the first time since becoming Premier League champions against rivals Arsenal this weekend.
The Reds and the Gunners have spent most of the campaign as the top two, with this clash once eyed as a potential title-decider.
Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal in October suggested the title race would go down the wireGettyHowever, Arne Slot‘s men guaranteed first place by thrashing Arsenal‘s north London neighbours Tottenham 5-1 last month.
Mikel Arteta‘s side instead pivoted their ambitions to a pursuit of Champions League glory, which ultimately came to an end this week.
Arsenal followed Liverpool in being eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain, and now will hope to restore some pride on Merseyside.
The visitors’ continental distractions have seen them secure just one Premier League victory during their past five top-flight matches.
As for Liverpool, little else to play for means fans could expect another rotated team that lined-up for the 3-1 loss at Chelsea.
Liverpool vs Arsenal: Guard of honour
The Reds received their first guard of honour since becoming champions at Stamford Bridge, but this one will prove sweeter.
Not only because it will come in front of their own supporters, but it comes at the expense of the team that chased them all season.
It is not the first time that Arteta’s Arsenal have had to applaud Liverpool onto the pitch as part of the non-compulsory tradition.
The Gunners clapped Mohamed Salah and co. at an empty Emirates Stadium in 2020, before beating the champions 2-1.
Following their European heartbreak, Arteta will still hope his team can replicate that feat to earn a first win at Anfield since 2012.
Arteta has confirmed his side will give a guard of honour Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 14 home games against Arsenal in all competitions (W7 D7) since a 2-0 loss in the Premier League in September 2012. Arsenal are unbeaten in their last five Premier League games against Liverpool (W2 D3), their longest run without defeat against the Reds since a run of eight between October 2007 and April 2011. This is the third time Arsenal are facing the Premier League champions in a season with the title already confirmed, previously drawing 1-1 with Man Utd in 2012-13 and beating Liverpool 2-1 in 2019-20.Liverpool vs Arsenal: Team news
Trent Alexander-Arnold will be dropped after confirmation of his impending exit, with Conor Bradley starting at right-back.
Liverpool’s regular midfield of Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai and Alex Mac Allister are all set to start, having been rested last week.
Joe Gomez and Tyler Morton remain the home side’s two long-term absentees, with the injury list looking a lot worse for the visitors.
Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Magalhaes, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Kai Havertz all remain confined to the treatment room for the Gunners.
Arsenal’s dreams of winning the Champions League ended in ParisGetty Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has scored 11 Premier League goals against Arsenal, only netting more against Manchester United (13) and Tottenham (12). His first ever goal in the competition came against the Gunners in a 6-0 win for Chelsea in March 2014. Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka has scored four goals in his last five Premier League games against Liverpool – against no other side has he scored more often in the league. However, all four of his strikes against them have come at the Emirates Stadium. If he plays, this will be Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk’s 300th Premier League appearance. He would be the fourth Dutchman to reach this milestone, after George Boateng (384), Dennis Bergkamp (315) and Edwin van der Sar (313).Liverpool vs Arsenal: What has been said?
Reds boss Slot has said that he is not going to ‘tell the fans how they should react’ to Alexander-Arnold’s exit announcement.
“That people have an opinion about us, if it is Trent or me or someone else, that is not new for anyone,” said Slot on Friday.
“Probably, it’s a bit more now for him than he is used to and probably a bit more negative than he’s used to but I don’t follow all of this.
“I am not here to tell the fans how they should react. I will see Trent in a bit – the boys had a few days off as well – so I will wait and see how he feels about him announcing that he is going to leave the club. I did speak to him on WhatsApp.
“Let’s wait and see but I’m not here to tell the fans how they should react. We are all disappointed but Trent is the first one also who said that he would prefer us as a team and a club not to be not too much distracted by this announcement.
“I am hoping that all the energy on Sunday goes to the players and less as possible to Trent – unless it is positive then they can do whatever they want.”
Alexander-Arnold featured in Liverpool’s 3-1 defeat at Stamford BridgeGetty Liverpool lost 3-1 against Chelsea last time out, having clinched the title the week before. Only two teams have lost both of their next two Premier League games in a season after already confirming the title – Arsenal in 1997-98 and Chelsea in 2005-06. Arsenal have dropped 21 points from winning positions in the Premier League this season, their joint-most in a single campaign (also 2019-20). They lost 2-1 against Bournemouth despite leading last time out. Arsenal lost 2-1 at home to Bournemouth last time out, with the Cherries responsible for 50% of the Gunners’ league defeats this term (2/4). Mikel Arteta’s side last lost consecutive league games in December 2023.Liverpool vs Arsenal: Date and how to follow
This Premier League game is set to take place on Sunday, May 11.
Kick-off at Anfield is scheduled for 4:30pm.
The match will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League following their coverage of Nottingham Forest vs Leicester.
Sky Go customers will be able to watch the action via their laptops or mobile devices. Alternatively, fans can purchase a NOW TV pass.
talkSPORT will have updates throughout our Sunday Session coverage with Adrian Durham, Perry Groves, and Micky Gray.
Meanwhile, talkSPORT.com will also provide all the action via our dedicated Premier League blog.
To tune in to talkSPORT through the website, click HERE for the live stream.
You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
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