Key battles with real guns and ammunition: Liverpool vs. Arsenal preview

Although it is only the third round of the Premier League in the 2025-26 season, it is no exaggeration to call this game a key battle that determines the direction of the two teams' seasons. Both sides met with a six-point unbeaten record - the Gunners temporarily ranked first with a goal difference of +6, and still maintained a record of zero concededs to this day. In the past, we had to wait until the crazy stage of the final battle after the Christmas holiday or nearing the ending battle to see such a bloody and mysterious focus battle.

The Gunners are under heavy pressure

There is no doubt that Arsenal's shoulders are more stressful. There are as many as seven wounded soldiers in the formation, including regular main players Odgao, Saka and Havertz. But given that the club spent $358 million this summer to introduce seven new players (Zubimedi, Dzekelish, Maduek and Eze should be able to start), Arteta has no excuse to find. The record of being second in the runner-up for three consecutive years means that winning the championship has become the lowest expectation of the Spanish coach, and the battle at Anfield is the first difficulty.

The defensive champion

Although Liverpool remained unbeaten, it showed a downturn. In the first two rounds, they relied on the final victory to win. Fortunately, the geniuses in the formation gathered their abilities to turn the tide. The Reds invested 73 million euros more than the Gunners this summer, and also introduced seven new players. Ekitic (has scored two goals), Werz and full-back Kelkez should be able to start. The defense line is the Reds' biggest weakness: Van Dijk is still steady, but Connate made many mistakes against Newcastle last week; Kyle Kez already has yellow cards and fatal mistakes, and his performance is comparable to the turbulent state at Bournemouth last season.

Focus Showdown

Multiple wonderful showdowns are worth looking forward to: Can Van Dijk lock Dzekelish? Since the Reds' right-back position is played by midfielder Sobosloy, this provides Eze (or any left-wing starter) with a good opportunity to prove it. Salah will restrain Karafiori to create space for Wilz, and the performance of the betting king this summer is worth looking forward to.

Win-loss hand

Liverpool's offensive threat is even better - although the Gunners conceded zero goals on the defense line, they have not yet been tested at the Reds-level offensive line. The data of Raya's four saves per game shows that his clean record is deceptive. The Red Army has a slight advantage in the historical confrontation (4 wins, 2 losses, 4 draws).

Final prediction: Liverpool narrowly won 3-2.