Arteta to make 10 changes as Raya and Rice return for Liverpool clash

Arsenal travel to Anfield on Sunday to face Liverpool in the Premier League, with Mikel Arteta expected to make 10 changes from the midweek Carabao Cup defeat. David Raya, Declan Rice and Riccardo Calafiori are set to return as the Gunners look to strengthen their second-place standing.

  • Fixture: Liverpool vs Arsenal, Premier League
  • Date: Sunday 1 November 2026
  • Venue: Anfield
  • Key returns: David Raya, Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori, Ezri Konsa, Gabriel Magalhaes
  • Missing: William Saliba, Bukayo Saka (injured); Max Dowman (suspended); Noni Madueke (doubt)
  • Standings: Arsenal 2nd with 21 points from eight games

Confirmed line-ups

The line-ups have not yet been confirmed by the clubs. Below is the expected Arsenal XI according to the source.

Arsenal (4-3-3)

Starting XI: David Raya; Ben White, Ezri Konsa, Gabriel Magalhaes, Riccardo Calafiori; Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, Martin Odegaard; Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz, Eberechi Eze

Substitutes: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Illan Meslier, Cristhian Mosquera, Marli Salmon, Jurrien Timber, Piero Hincapié, Martin Zubimendi, Bruno Guimaraes, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Christos Tzolis, Viktor Gyokeres

Selection notes

Arteta made several changes in midweek but is expected to revert to a stronger side. Raya returns in goal, with Kepa and Meslier among the substitutes. Konsa and Gabriel are set to start in central defence, meaning Mosquera and Salmon drop to the bench. Ben White continues at right-back, with Calafiori on the left; Timber and Hincapié provide cover. Rice anchors the midfield, Merino plays box-to-box, and Odegaard is the creative force. Eze and Madueke flank Havertz, who leads the line. Gyokeres, despite scoring in midweek, is among the substitutes. Tzolis has recovered from injury and could feature from the bench.

Injury and availability

William Saliba and Bukayo Saka remain sidelined with fitness problems. Noni Madueke is in doubt for the encounter. Christos Tzolis has recovered from the injury he sustained on international duty with Greece and is expected to be involved. Declan Rice and Riccardo Calafiori were absent in midweek but have trained and are likely to be available. Max Dowman is suspended after his red card against Fleetwood Town.

Why Arteta trusts Konsa and Merino in Anfield test

With Saliba unavailable, Ezri Konsa is handed a crucial role alongside Gabriel Magalhaes. The pair must contend with Liverpool's in-form attack, and Konsa's experience is preferred over the younger Cristhian Mosquera. In midfield, Declan Rice returns to shield the defence, allowing Mikel Merino to push forward and support Martin Odegaard. This trio offers a blend of physicality and creativity that Arteta hopes can control the game at Anfield.

Up front, Kai Havertz leads the line, with Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke providing width. The absence of Bukayo Saka is a blow, but Madueke's direct running could trouble Liverpool's full-backs. Viktor Gyokeres, despite his midweek goal, is kept in reserve, highlighting Arteta's preference for Havertz's link-up play in big away matches.

Talking points

  • Should Arteta have started Gyokeres after his midweek goal? Havertz offers more defensively, but Gyokeres is a proven scorer.
  • Is Konsa the right partner for Gabriel, or should Mosquera be given a chance? Konsa's experience could be vital at Anfield.
  • With Saka out, can Madueke deliver on the right wing? His pace is an asset, but consistency is questioned.
  • Does the return of Rice and Calafiori make Arsenal favourites? Their presence strengthens both defence and midfield.

What happens next

Arsenal face Liverpool on Sunday at Anfield, aiming to keep pace at the top of the Premier League. A win would solidify their title credentials, while a loss could see them lose ground. Arteta will hope his returning stars can deliver a statement performance.

Frequently asked questions

Is David Raya starting for Arsenal against Liverpool?

Yes, David Raya is set to return to goal, with Kepa Arrizabalaga and Illan Meslier among the substitutes.

Who is missing for Arsenal vs Liverpool?

William Saliba and Bukayo Saka are sidelined, Noni Madueke is a doubt, and Max Dowman is suspended.

What is Arsenal's expected line-up vs Liverpool?

Raya; White, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Merino, Odegaard; Madueke, Havertz, Eze.

Filed under: Predicted Lineups | LA Premier League Home