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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
    10 months, 20 days ago

    Kerkez is wayy overrated

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    1. TheBiffas
      • 5 Years
      10 months, 20 days ago

      He's been good?

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    2. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      10 months, 20 days ago

      It was a great recovery after getting rinsed by Madueke

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    3. Bluetiger1
      • 4 Years
      10 months, 20 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
    10 months, 20 days ago

    He's going from bad to Wirtz.

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    1. Bluetiger1
      • 4 Years
      10 months, 20 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. KAPTAIN KANE SERVES THE PAI…
    • 9 Years
    10 months, 20 days ago

    I think Wirtz has actually broke Liverpool

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    1. Utopsis
      • 6 Years
      10 months, 20 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
    • 16 Years
    10 months, 20 days ago

    Another Bundesliga success we fell for!

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  5. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 16 Years
    10 months, 20 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
      10 months, 20 days ago

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

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      1. TiAgoFPL
        • 6 Years
        10 months, 20 days ago

        And its working . Incredible

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  6. F4L
    • 11 Years
    10 months, 20 days ago

    bradley on for wirtz at ht?

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  7. Absolutely Muñozed
    10 months, 20 days ago

    Give us a parting gift Vertss

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  8. JBG
    • 8 Years
    10 months, 20 days ago

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

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    1. Absolutely Muñozed
      10 months, 20 days ago

      who?

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    2. Bluetiger1
      • 4 Years
      10 months, 20 days ago

      who?

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    3. F4L
      • 11 Years
      10 months, 20 days ago

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

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      1. Bluetiger1
        • 4 Years
        10 months, 20 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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  9. Kaneyonero
    • 9 Years
    10 months, 20 days ago

    Has Ekitike even touched the ball?

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    1. MVDP
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 1 Year
      10 months, 20 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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  10. Thanos
    • 4 Years
    10 months, 20 days ago

    Rice 😆

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  11. The Bandit
    • 15 Years
    10 months, 20 days ago

    Rice pudding

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  12. Bluetiger1
    • 4 Years
    10 months, 20 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
      10 months, 20 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
        • 4 Years
        10 months, 20 days ago

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

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    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      10 months, 20 days ago

      GW3 ends today

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      1. Bluetiger1
        • 4 Years
        10 months, 20 days ago

        Cheers

        Forgot about transfer window thanks Tony as always

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    3. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 20 days ago

      What fixtures do we have tomorrow?

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      1. Bluetiger1
        • 4 Years
        10 months, 20 days ago

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

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    4. have you seen cyan
      • 6 Years
      10 months, 20 days ago

      Villa play tonight

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      1. Bluetiger1
        • 4 Years
        10 months, 20 days ago

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

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    5. Nomar
      • 16 Years
      10 months, 20 days ago

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

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      1. Bluetiger1
        • 4 Years
        10 months, 20 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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    6. snow pea in repose
      • 5 Years
      10 months, 20 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
        • 4 Years
        10 months, 20 days ago

        ouch - feel your pain

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  13. Nomar
    • 16 Years
    10 months, 20 days ago

    This season truly sucks

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    1. Bluetiger1
      • 4 Years
      10 months, 20 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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  14. TheBiffas
    • 5 Years
    10 months, 20 days ago

    Arsenal look so solid

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    1. Thanos
      • 4 Years
      10 months, 20 days ago

      Timing 😆

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      1. TheBiffas
        • 5 Years
        10 months, 20 days ago

        Lol

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    2. have you seen cyan
      • 6 Years
      10 months, 20 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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  15. Thanos
    • 4 Years
    10 months, 20 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
      10 months, 20 days ago

      yeah taa a huge loss. irreplaceable really

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    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      10 months, 20 days ago

      Takes time to click, the attack has changed

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    3. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 months, 20 days ago

      Arsenal champions then?

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  16. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 months, 20 days ago

    VVD just needs to hit it

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    1. keefy59
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      10 months, 20 days ago

      He probably captained Salah

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      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        10 months, 20 days ago

        Has he ditched Wirtz yet?

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  17. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 16 Years
    10 months, 20 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
      10 months, 20 days ago

      Cheer up

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    2. have you seen cyan
      • 6 Years
      10 months, 20 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
        • 4 Years
        10 months, 20 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
      10 months, 20 days ago

      These games are always going to be cagey affairs

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    4. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 months, 20 days ago

      Season has not quite settled

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  18. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 months, 20 days ago

    How is Salah playing?

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    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      10 months, 20 days ago

      Hardly touched the ball

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    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 20 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
        10 months, 20 days ago

        Or assist

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    3. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 months, 20 days ago

      Wirtz like

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  19. have you seen cyan
    • 6 Years
    10 months, 20 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
      10 months, 20 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
        10 months, 20 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
      • 4 Years
      10 months, 20 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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  20. henrysquire
    • 7 Years
    10 months, 20 days ago

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

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  21. Pompel
    • 12 Years
    10 months, 20 days ago

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

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    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      10 months, 20 days ago

      No

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    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      10 months, 20 days ago

      Will wait until settling, need team surgery or WC

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      1. Pompel
        • 12 Years
        10 months, 20 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
          10 months, 20 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
      10 months, 20 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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  22. Tonyawesome69
    • 7 Years
    10 months, 20 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
      10 months, 20 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
      10 months, 20 days ago

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

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    3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 16 Years
      10 months, 20 days ago

      He’s average, over performed

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    4. Debauchy
      • 13 Years
      10 months, 20 days ago

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

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      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 7 Years
        10 months, 20 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
      10 months, 20 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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  23. PartyTime
    • 5 Years
    10 months, 20 days ago

    Liverpool penalty in this match please

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  24. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 months, 20 days ago

    2-2
    2-3 looking optimistic

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    1. Bluetiger1
      • 4 Years
      10 months, 20 days ago

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

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  25. Tabasco
    • 15 Years
    10 months, 20 days ago

    Hopefully Eze comes on second half

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  26. MVDP
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 1 Year
    10 months, 20 days ago

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

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    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 16 Years
      10 months, 20 days ago

      Yes his performances have been pretty terrible this season

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    2. F4L
      • 11 Years
      10 months, 20 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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  27. g40steve
    • 8 Years
    10 months, 20 days ago

    0 0 HT

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    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      10 months, 20 days ago

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

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  28. Stimps
    • 13 Years
    10 months, 20 days ago

    Need a Watkins haul so badly

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    1. Utopsis
      • 6 Years
      10 months, 20 days ago

      I'll take a goal, CRY pretty solid unit

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    2. F4L
      • 11 Years
      10 months, 20 days ago

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

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  29. chocolove
    • 15 Years
    10 months, 20 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
      10 months, 20 days ago

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

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  30. KanuLenoMeeMoCash
    • 5 Years
    10 months, 20 days ago

    Boring af

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    1. Debauchy
      • 13 Years
      10 months, 20 days ago

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

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