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Liverpool prepare to host Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, August 31, 2025.
Ahead of the game, Paul Merson has stated his prediction. According to Merson, the game will end in a 1-1 draw.
"What a huge football match this is before the international break. Bukayo Saka is definitely out and we're waiting to find out if Martin Odegaard plays. Arsenal need to come out of this trip to Anfield with at least a draw. If they lose, Liverpool have a massive advantage because of the fixtures they have played till now," said Merson on Sportskeeda.
"I always go with the comparison of the fixtures teams have played and the points they get from it. Even if Liverpool weren't at their best away from home to Newcastle, they still got three points. I don't expect Arsenal to do the same thing if they were in that situation!
"Good teams win even when they don't play well and Liverpool certainly did that against Newcastle. If Arsenal play like they did against Manchester United, they have no chance and they will get blown away at Anfield. I don't think Arsenal will be that poor though.
"Eberechi Eze should start this game and he's a top player. Sometimes, when Liverpool go attack, attack, attack, it can be relentless for their opponents. That's where you need players like Eze to keep hold of the ball. So if they play like they did at Old Trafford, this game will be over by half-time!
"I have a feeling Arne Slot will go back to using Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai in midfield in this game. All of them have not been available together so far this season. Midfields win you league titles and so they must start together.
"If Florian Wirtz isn't at his best, he may have to sit out of this team. Liverpool look a bit open with him in the team. They just get overpowered when Wirtz is playing in midfield. You want your £100 million player to start in these games, that is the reason why you've bought him in the first place. So I don't really see Wirtz not playing this game, but it can certainly become a big conundrum for Arne Slot in the future.
"It's the same with Milos Kerkez. Even though he isn't at his best, I'd be shocked if he's dropped for this game.
"I'd be happy with 1-1 if I'm Arsenal. But for some reason, my head still says Liverpool. I'm going to listen to my heart here and go with 1-1!"