Arsenal target Premier League summit as Tzolis returns for Anfield clash

Arsenal can move to the top of the Premier League with victory at Anfield after Mikel Arteta named Christos Tzolis in his starting line-up for Sunday’s meeting with Liverpool.

Tzolis has recovered from the injury he suffered during the most recent international break and starts on the left side of Arsenal’s attack. He is joined in the front three by Noni Madueke and Kai Havertz, with Martin Odegaard operating behind them.

Arsenal begin the match second in the table with 21 points. A win would take them to 24 points and above the current leaders. Liverpool are fifth on 15 points.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has selected Alexander Isak to lead the home side’s attack. Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola provide the support in the forward areas.

The main surprise in Liverpool’s midfield is the inclusion of Trey Nyoni from the start. Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai are among the substitutes.

Liverpool’s starting XI is:

Goalkeeper: Alisson

Defenders: Araujo, Jacquet, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez

Midfielders: Trey Nyoni, Alexis Mac Allister, Florian Wirtz

Forwards: Cody Gakpo, Bradley Barcola, Alexander Isak

Arsenal’s line-up is:

Goalkeeper: David Raya

Defenders: Jurrien Timber, Ezri Konsa, Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori

Midfielders: Declan Rice, Bruno Guimaraes, Martin Odegaard

Forwards: Noni Madueke, Christos Tzolis, Kai Havertz

The fixture is the ninth-round meeting of the Premier League season and brings together two sides with significantly different positions in the table. Liverpool will be looking to strengthen their challenge from fifth, while Arsenal have the opportunity to turn their strong start into first place.

Both clubs are also listed for Champions League matches on 04 November 2026. Liverpool are scheduled to face Fenerbahce, while Arsenal are due to play Slavia Praha.

Tzolis’ return gives Arsenal another attacking option as they attempt to take advantage of their position at the top end of the table. Liverpool, meanwhile, have opted for an attacking line-up of their own, with Isak supported by Gakpo, Wirtz and Barcola and Nyoni handed a starting role in midfield.