As the Premier League hurtles into the new year, few fixtures carry the weight and excitement of Arsenal hosting Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday, January 8, 2026. Kickoff is set for 8:00 PM GMT (3:00 PM EST), and this clash pits the league-leading Gunners against the defending champions, who are scrambling to rediscover their form. With Arsenal six points clear at the top and on a blistering run, this match could be a pivotal moment in the title race. Liverpool, languishing in fourth and 14 points adrift, need a statement win to reignite their campaign, but history and current trends point to a tough night for the Reds.

   Arsenal's Unstoppable Momentum

Mikel Arteta's Arsenal have been the standout side this season, boasting an impressive 15-3-2 record and riding a five-game winning streak in the league. Their home form is particularly formidable: unbeaten at the Emirates with seven straight wins, including high-scoring triumphs like a 4-1 demolition of third-placed Aston Villa. The Gunners' attack is firing on all cylinders, led by the likes of Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyokeres, and Martinelli, who've contributed to over 2.5 goals in seven of their last 10 home games. Defensively, they've been rock-solid, conceding just once in their last three outings.

Key to Arsenal's success has been their midfield dominance, with Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi providing steel and creativity. Rice, in particular, has been a goal threat lately, netting twice in his past four league appearances. The Gunners' ability to control games at home makes them a nightmare for visiting teams, and they've won two of the last three Premier League meetings against Liverpool at the Emirates.

   Liverpool's Struggles on the Road

In contrast, Arne Slot's Liverpool have been inconsistent, posting a 10-4-6 record with just one win in their last three away games. A recent 2-2 draw at Fulham highlighted their defensive vulnerabilities, and they've dropped points in draws far too often this season. While the Reds have turned things around slightly with three wins in their last five overall, their away form remains a concern—eight of their last 10 road matches have seen over 2.5 goals, often due to leaky defending.

Players like Cody Gakpo and Connor Bradley have shown flashes, but Liverpool's attack has lacked the clinical edge of previous years. They've managed only a draw in two of their last three visits to Arsenal, and with injuries potentially impacting their lineup, they're up against it here. The Reds' foul-prone style could also play into Arsenal's hands, as evidenced by Gakpo's tendency to commit over 1.5 fouls per game.

    Match Prediction: Arsenal to Edge a High-Scoring Affair

This feels like an "easy" pick for a home win—Arsenal's superior form, home advantage, and Liverpool's road woes make the Gunners the clear favorites. Expect Arsenal to control possession and exploit Liverpool's counter-attacking style, leading to a 3-1 victory. The match should be entertaining, with both teams likely to score, but Arsenal's depth will prevail.

For those looking beyond the straight win, over 2.5 goals is a strong play given the trends: It's landed in four of Arsenal's last five games and eight of Liverpool's last 10 away fixtures. A bet builder combining Arsenal win and over 2.5 goals could offer solid value.

  Latest Betting Odds

Odds are dynamic and can shift, so always check with your bookmaker closer to kickoff. Here's a snapshot from leading sites:

- Arsenal Win : -159 (1.63) – Implied probability of about 61%

- Draw : +348 (4.48) – Around 22% chance

- Liverpool Win : +480 (5.80) – Roughly 17% implied probability

- Over 2.5 Goals : -143 (1.70)

- Both Teams to Score (BTTS) Yes : -120 (1.83)

- Bet Builder Example (Arsenal Win + Under 3.5 Goals) : +138 (2.38) with a 50% boost available on some sites