Liverpool v Arsenal preview: Arteta targets first Anfield win in 14 years

Liverpool welcome Premier League leaders Arsenal to Anfield on Sunday in one of the standout fixtures of the weekend, with both sides having plenty to prove in an early-season meeting that could have significant implications for the title race.

Andoni Iraola's Liverpool come into the game on the back of five consecutive victories in all competitions. Confidence is growing, performances are improving, and there's a feeling that the new manager is beginning to get his ideas across.

However, Sunday's fixture presents a considerably tougher test.

Arsenal arrive as reigning champions and Premier League leaders, having lost just once this season. Mikel Arteta's side know that a victory at Anfield would represent another significant statement in their bid to retain the title.

For Iraola, it is an opportunity to assess how far his Liverpool side have progressed.

There's also a personal connection between the two managers. Iraola and Arteta grew up in the Basque Country and have maintained a friendship over the years, adding an extra dimension to Sunday's meeting.

Iraola joked about the number of familiar faces he has come up against recently, saying: "Last week we were against Inigo [Perez], against Xabi [Alonso], now it's going to be against Mikel, so a lot of friends on the opposition bench!"

However, their friendship will count for little once the match gets underway.

Iraola is under no illusions about the challenge Arsenal pose, describing them as: "Very good players, working a lot, working in synchrony, knowing each other very well."

He also expressed confidence in his own side's ability to compete, saying: "I also trust our players, trust ourselves and in a good atmosphere that for sure we will have on Sunday, I hope we can be at the level to win this game."

Despite Liverpool's five successive victories, Iraola is keen to maintain perspective.

When asked whether his side still had another level to reach, he replied: "There has to be. There always has to be another level. We need to improve things, yes."

Liverpool have made encouraging progress, but Iraola is aware that there is still considerable work to do before his side can seriously challenge for the title.

He was similarly measured when asked about Liverpool's championship ambitions: "No, the fans, it's good if they have expectations or if they think we can win and normally it's a good thing. But if you ask me I think it's still very early in the season."

While supporters are entitled to dream, Sunday's meeting offers a more immediate measure of Liverpool's progress.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have their own motivation. It has been 14 years since they last won a Premier League match at Anfield, and Arteta is determined to end that run.

Speaking ahead of Sunday's encounter, he said: "It's 14 years that we haven't won there, so it's time to do it."

Arteta also spoke warmly about his relationship with Iraola, describing the opportunity to face his former friend as a "privilege".

 Nevertheless, Arsenal will travel to Merseyside focused on securing three points and maintaining their position at the top of the table.

Where the game could be won:

Midfield could prove decisive on Sunday. Liverpool will need to compete physically, win their individual battles and prevent Arsenal from establishing their usual passing rhythm.

Iraola highlighted the importance of those contests, explaining: "At the end it's going to be a matter of winning the duels, running more than them, winning the aerial duels, winning the set-play mini-games."

Liverpool will also be looking to make the most of home advantage. 

Iraola understands the influence Anfield can have, particularly when the team plays with intensity and gives the crowd something to respond to.

As he explained: "It's not just winning. I think, especially at Anfield, everyone feels when the team goes for it."

Team news:

Liverpool are hopeful of having Dominik Szoboszlai (hamstring) and Victor Munoz (knee) available, with neither player ruled out. 

Iraola offered a cautious update, saying: "I think they have a chance. They have a chance. But I don't know for sure if they will be involved or not."

Florian Wirtz is also expected to feature after recovering from an ankle knock to face Chelsea in midweek.

 However, Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong and Giovanni Leoni remain sidelined.

Iraola is expected to make several changes, with Wirtz, Alexander Isak and Bradley Barcola among those pushing for starts. 

Isak has scored six goals in his last six Premier League appearances, while Barcola has registered three goals and two assists in his last four outings.

Arsenal have received a boost, with Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori and Christos Tzolis back in training and expected to be available. 

William Saliba remains out with a back injury, while Bukayo Saka continues his recovery from a serious quad problem. 

Noni Madueke is also a doubt with an ankle injury.

Dowman begins a three-match domestic suspension after his red card against Fleetwood was upheld by the FA. 

Arteta is also expected to make changes following the midweek fixture, with Illan Meslier, Piero Hincapie, Martin Zubimendi, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Cristhian Mosquera among those at risk of dropping out.

Predicted line-ups:

Liverpool: Alisson; Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Barcola, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak

Arsenal: Raya; White, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Guimaraes; Madueke, Odegaard, Eze; Gyokeres