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Liverpool v Arsenal team news: Martinelli starts, Odegaard + Eze subs

31 August 2025 567 comments
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Liverpool take on Arsenal in the penultimate Premier League fixture before the international break.

Both teams have won their first two matches, but defensive frailties remain for the Reds, having allowed four goals against Bournemouth and Newcastle United.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are yet to concede this season.

Kick-off at Anfield is at 16:30 BST.

TEAM NEWS

Arne Slot makes one change from Monday’s 3-2 win over Newcastle United, with Alexis Mac Allister coming in for Curtis Jones, who drops to the bench.

Dominik Szoboszlai continues at right-back.

As for Arsenal, Eberechi Eze is named among the substitutes following his £60m move from Crystal Palace.

Gabriel Martinelli replaces the injured Bukayo Saka, while Martin Odegaard is only fit enough for bench duties.

Mikel Merino comes into central midfield as a result.

LINE-UPS

Liverpool XI: Alisson, Szoboszlai, Konate, van Dijk, Kerkez, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo, Ekitike

Subs: Mamardashvili, Gomez, Endo, Bradley, Chiesa, Jones, Elliott, Robertson, Nguhoma

Arsenal XI: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Merino, Rice, Madueke, Martinelli, Gyokeres

Subs: Kepa, Mosquera, Odegaard, Eze, Trossard, Nwaneri, Lewis-Skelly, Dowman, Harriman-Annous

567 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Bobby Digital
    • 8 Years
    7 months, 13 days ago

    Kerkez is wayy overrated

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    1. TheBiffas
      • 5 Years
      7 months, 13 days ago

      He's been good?

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    2. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      7 months, 13 days ago

      It was a great recovery after getting rinsed by Madueke

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    3. Bluetiger1
      • 3 Years
      7 months, 13 days ago

      Bring Robertson back to ease him into the Liverpool way.

      Defence will be better once right back playing again
      & possible Marc Guéhi

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  2. BobB
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    7 months, 13 days ago

    He's going from bad to Wirtz.

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    1. Bluetiger1
      • 3 Years
      7 months, 13 days ago

      Needs International break to settle in more,
      price tag does not help & getting used
      to speed/physical side of the premier.

      He will come good once Isak arrives

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  3. Scapegoat Salah
    • 9 Years
    7 months, 13 days ago

    I think Wirtz has actually broke Liverpool

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    1. Utopsis
      • 6 Years
      7 months, 13 days ago

      He needs to adjust to the league fast, he won't be getting 5 seconds on the ball all the time

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  4. Nomar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    7 months, 13 days ago

    Another Bundesliga success we fell for!

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  5. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    7 months, 13 days ago

    How bad is this wirtz fella

    100m. Having a laugh.

    He looks weak is continuously bullied off the ball.

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    1. Sgt. Schultz
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 13 days ago

      And having him man mark Gabriel for corners. Jeez !!

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      1. TiAgoFPL
        • 6 Years
        7 months, 13 days ago

        And its working . Incredible

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  6. F4L
    • 11 Years
    7 months, 13 days ago

    bradley on for wirtz at ht?

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  7. Absolutely Muñozed
      7 months, 13 days ago

      Give us a parting gift Vertss

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    • JBG
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 13 days ago

      Jerky out for 2 months according to Bauldiola, might make Bobb an option

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      1. Absolutely Muñozed
          7 months, 13 days ago

          who?

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        • Bluetiger1
          • 3 Years
          7 months, 13 days ago

          who?

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        • F4L
          • 11 Years
          7 months, 13 days ago

          .....foden? just maybe or is he finished at this point.

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          1. Bluetiger1
            • 3 Years
            7 months, 13 days ago

            Foden - interesting

            I don't get Pep

            Seems English player brilliant one season the next does not get a shout
            under Pep - Grealish & now Foden (last season / this) what a shame

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      2. Kaneyonero
        • 9 Years
        7 months, 13 days ago

        Has Ekitike even touched the ball?

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        1. MVDP
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 1 Year
          7 months, 13 days ago

          Dunno… I do know BBBC is reporting no touches for Liverpool in the Arsenal penalty area after 25 mins.

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      3. Thanos
        • 4 Years
        7 months, 13 days ago

        Rice 😆

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      4. The Bandit
        • 15 Years
        7 months, 13 days ago

        Rice pudding

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      5. Bluetiger1
        • 3 Years
        7 months, 13 days ago

        GW3 - saved with Haaland predicted score of 18 points as my capt with the bonus 3

        Cannot wait for break - not great but will keep ahead of average

        How is everyone doing - or too early to tell with today/tomorrow fixtures to complete

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        1. Absolutely Muñozed
            7 months, 13 days ago

            Haaland(C), EL HADJI MALICK DIOUF and Bruno saving the week so far. But rest of the team 122112

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            1. Bluetiger1
              • 3 Years
              7 months, 13 days ago

              I think GW3 has been like that for a lot of players

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          • Tonyawesome69
            • 7 Years
            7 months, 13 days ago

            GW3 ends today

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            1. Bluetiger1
              • 3 Years
              7 months, 13 days ago

              Cheers

              Forgot about transfer window thanks Tony as always

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          • DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
            • 9 Years
            7 months, 13 days ago

            What fixtures do we have tomorrow?

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            1. Bluetiger1
              • 3 Years
              7 months, 13 days ago

              Sorry DSOTL - my bad - I thought Villa v Palace was tomorrow,
              been reminded its this evening

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          • have you seen cyan
            • 6 Years
            7 months, 13 days ago

            Villa play tonight

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            1. Bluetiger1
              • 3 Years
              7 months, 13 days ago

              Thanks HYSC - totally forgot with the transfer window tomorrow as well

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          • Nomar
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            7 months, 13 days ago

            I sold Bowen and capped Wood, so you can guess how well I’ve done.

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            1. Bluetiger1
              • 3 Years
              7 months, 13 days ago

              ouch - sorry to hear that Nomar

              TBF I thought Forest would do well
              with 3 players in my team - nope

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          • snow pea in repose
            • 5 Years
            7 months, 13 days ago

            A better start this season for me than usual but transferring out Paqueta after GW1 is really starting to sting

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            1. Bluetiger1
              • 3 Years
              7 months, 13 days ago

              ouch - feel your pain

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        2. Nomar
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          7 months, 13 days ago

          This season truly sucks

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          1. Bluetiger1
            • 3 Years
            7 months, 13 days ago

            Agree

            I wish I could start again but will make it more of a challenge (lol)

            Wishing you sold Green Arrows from GW4

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        3. TheBiffas
          • 5 Years
          7 months, 13 days ago

          Arsenal look so solid

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          1. Thanos
            • 4 Years
            7 months, 13 days ago

            Timing 😆

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            1. TheBiffas
              • 5 Years
              7 months, 13 days ago

              Lol

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          2. have you seen cyan
            • 6 Years
            7 months, 13 days ago

            Need some Gakpo magic. But he did just sign a new contract, so I’m expecting consecutive blanks now.

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        4. Thanos
          • 4 Years
          7 months, 13 days ago

          Although Pool have won their opening games but really feel they are weaker than last season even with all their additions.

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          1. F4L
            • 11 Years
            7 months, 13 days ago

            yeah taa a huge loss. irreplaceable really

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          2. Tonyawesome69
            • 7 Years
            7 months, 13 days ago

            Takes time to click, the attack has changed

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          3. AC/DC AFC
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            7 months, 13 days ago

            Arsenal champions then?

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        5. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          7 months, 13 days ago

          VVD just needs to hit it

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          1. keefy59
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            7 months, 13 days ago

            He probably captained Salah

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            1. AC/DC AFC
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              7 months, 13 days ago

              Has he ditched Wirtz yet?

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        6. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
          • 15 Years
          7 months, 13 days ago

          Remember the Arsenal v United and Man City v Liverpool games. Peak premier league

          This is dire

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          1. TheBiffas
            • 5 Years
            7 months, 13 days ago

            Cheer up

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          2. have you seen cyan
            • 6 Years
            7 months, 13 days ago

            Too much football too few/short breaks.

            The IB is going to add another lid of injuries too.

            Dire indeed. It might however make for an interesting title fight though.

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            1. Bluetiger1
              • 3 Years
              7 months, 13 days ago

              Yeah - I think I'm going to forget about everything until after the last International Game,
              to ensure all players fit for GW4

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          3. Kaneyonero
            • 9 Years
            7 months, 13 days ago

            These games are always going to be cagey affairs

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          4. RamaJama
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            7 months, 13 days ago

            Season has not quite settled

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        7. RamaJama
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          7 months, 13 days ago

          How is Salah playing?

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          1. The Bandit
            • 15 Years
            7 months, 13 days ago

            Hardly touched the ball

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          2. Miguel Sanchez
            • 9 Years
            7 months, 13 days ago

            Anonymous like he has been this season but will probably get a late goal

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            1. RamaJama
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              7 months, 13 days ago

              Or assist

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          3. AC/DC AFC
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            7 months, 13 days ago

            Wirtz like

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        8. have you seen cyan
          • 6 Years
          7 months, 13 days ago

          Man U will beat City next week, based on how this season is going. Wish I was joking.

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          1. x.jim.x
            • 11 Years
            7 months, 13 days ago

            We beat them last season - it’s a cliche but it’s true form goes out the window

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            1. have you seen cyan
              • 6 Years
              7 months, 13 days ago

              Yea. Man U do tend to turn up for big games. Won’t be surprised to see you win or draw.

              I’ll cap Salah I think.

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          2. Bluetiger1
            • 3 Years
            7 months, 13 days ago

            Feel it depends on keepers - if one signed feel will go to the Manchester team with new keeper (so trafford)

            If Manchester City get PSG Gianluigi Donnarumma might be different
            https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/gianluigi-donnarumma-manchester-city-psg-35818979

            Also,

            although heard Manchester United
            https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c3ezgv57vj7o

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        9. henrysquire
          • 7 Years
          7 months, 13 days ago

          Setting it up for Eze off the bench and am Arse 1-0 win.

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        10. Pompel
          • 12 Years
          7 months, 13 days ago

          If Isak to Liverpool goes through, will you get him straight away?

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          1. Tonyawesome69
            • 7 Years
            7 months, 13 days ago

            No

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          2. Magic Zico
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            7 months, 13 days ago

            Will wait until settling, need team surgery or WC

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            1. Pompel
              • 12 Years
              7 months, 13 days ago

              There's a case of getting ahead of the pack tvough, shoul he become template

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              1. AC/DC AFC
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 10 Years
                7 months, 13 days ago

                By Gw5?

                Mind you, the Saudi's can't spend £££ but they don't need to recoup it ...

                Unless it really boosts their PSR etc.

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          3. have you seen cyan
            • 6 Years
            7 months, 13 days ago

            Nah. Ekitike lurking and in form. Isak going to lack match fitness too I guess. Is he playing for Sweden?

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        11. Tonyawesome69
          • 7 Years
          7 months, 13 days ago

          What has happened to Martinelli since his breakout season 22/23? His defensive work rate is very good but his attacking output seems to be impacted from this. His decision making when attacking hasn't improved.

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          1. have you seen cyan
            • 6 Years
            7 months, 13 days ago

            Maybe he just over-performed that season? Or something about how the team setup helped him.

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          2. x.jim.x
            • 11 Years
            7 months, 13 days ago

            Had a good season, got overhyped and couldn’t recreate it. Common young player timeline.

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          3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
            • 15 Years
            7 months, 13 days ago

            He’s average, over performed

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          4. Debauchy
            • 13 Years
            7 months, 13 days ago

            Never been the same since his injury . lost a yard of pace..

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            1. Tonyawesome69
              • 7 Years
              7 months, 13 days ago

              What injury after 22/23 season are you referring to?

              https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/gabriel-martinelli/verletzungen/spieler/655488

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          5. Qaiss
            • 10 Years
            7 months, 13 days ago

            He was never that good in the first place. He just had a good run of form that season.

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        12. PartyTime
          • 4 Years
          7 months, 13 days ago

          Liverpool penalty in this match please

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        13. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          7 months, 13 days ago

          2-2
          2-3 looking optimistic

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          1. Bluetiger1
            • 3 Years
            7 months, 13 days ago

            I'm going for 2-2 - Liverpool cannot keep clean sheets but scoring
            lots of goals

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        14. Tabasco
          • 15 Years
          7 months, 13 days ago

          Hopefully Eze comes on second half

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        15. MVDP
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 1 Year
          7 months, 13 days ago

          Calafiori on two defensive contributions speaks volumes for Salah’s involvement.

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          1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
            • 15 Years
            7 months, 13 days ago

            Yes his performances have been pretty terrible this season

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          2. F4L
            • 11 Years
            7 months, 13 days ago

            he just doesnt get support, same as vs newcastle, wirtz looks for ekitike all the time, and mac playing in the left channel more often. szobo not great for salah as well imo behind, better if bradley was overlapping there. hope that happens second half

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        16. g40steve
          • 8 Years
          7 months, 13 days ago

          0 0 HT

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          1. Magic Zico
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            7 months, 13 days ago

            Just need a goal to kick start the end to end ...

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        17. Stimps
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 months, 13 days ago

          Need a Watkins haul so badly

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          1. Utopsis
            • 6 Years
            7 months, 13 days ago

            I'll take a goal, CRY pretty solid unit

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          2. F4L
            • 11 Years
            7 months, 13 days ago

            yeah need a repeat of the brighton home match 2 seasons ago

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        18. chocolove
          • 15 Years
          7 months, 13 days ago

          Arsenal all over Liverpool
          Gyo is starving with wingers like Martinelli and Madueke, need Eze here

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          1. Debauchy
            • 13 Years
            7 months, 13 days ago

            Madueke been ok , Eze on for Martinelli looks the smart move.

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        19. KanuLenoMeeMoCash
          • 5 Years
          7 months, 13 days ago

          Boring af

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          1. Debauchy
            • 13 Years
            7 months, 13 days ago

            Not boring at all , appreciate the battle , it's a very telling game..

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