Arsenal Starting XI vs Liverpool: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Arsenal’s Response to Champions League Heartbreak Hinges on Liverpool Showdown

Mental Reset Required After Paris Setback

Arsenal arrive at Anfield wounded but not broken. The 2-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-final has not only ended their European dream but also inflicted a psychological bruise that Mikel Arteta must soothe—fast.

“This is what we are, when we get so close to winning big trophies and you don’t achieve it, it has to be part of that journey,” Arteta said in the aftermath. The Gunners boss knows this visit to Liverpool is not just about three Premier League points. It’s a barometer of how ready his squad is to respond, rebuild and remain in the title conversation.

Now second in the Premier League, Arsenal still trail leaders Liverpool by 15 points. They may be ahead of Manchester City and Newcastle, but the margins in elite football are not always visible in the table. This trip to Anfield is their opportunity to show they can process disappointment and fight for what remains of the domestic season.

Selection Shuffles and Injury Watch

There is good news on the fitness front. No fresh injuries have been reported since the midweek tie. However, key figures remain unavailable—Gabriel, Havertz, Jesus and Tomiyasu are all sidelined with various knocks.

Arteta is likely to field his strongest possible side. Jorginho’s return to the bench on Wednesday after a rib issue offers hope of midfield stability, while Ben White could return to the starting XI at right-back. Riccardo Calafiori’s energetic cameo in Paris has also nudged him closer to a potential start at left-back.

In attack, Leandro Trossard’s impact against PSG—creating Bukayo Saka’s goal—adds another dynamic. The Belgian has a proven knack for troubling Liverpool’s defence and could be trusted either through the middle or on the left flank.

Photo: IMAGO

Odegaard’s Influence and Arsenal’s Mentality Shift

The captain’s role takes on even more significance now. Martin Odegaard’s influence on and off the ball will be central to how Arsenal cope under the Anfield pressure. The midfielder is targeting a return to his best form after a patchy run, and his ability to dictate the game’s tempo will be crucial in slowing down Liverpool’s rhythm.

Arteta’s message to his players is clear: elite sides do not dwell. They respond. “We have to be able now to go immediately into a different competition and perform at the highest level, that’s it,” he said. Liverpool will demand that level and more.

Predicted Lineup

Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3):Raya; White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Merino, Martinelli