Liverpool supporters could be excused for feeling confident of taking all three points against Arsenal when the champions visit Anfield on Sunday.

Mikel Arteta may be convinced that Arsenal will win, but the truth is that the Gunners have a terrible record at Anfield, having not won a Premier League match on the ground since 2012.

Liverpool must lean into attacking firepower vs Arsenal

For Arsenal fans, the one thing they were desperate to see from their club over the summer transfer window was to bring in some elite attacking options. The Gunners sold Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, and though Christos Tzolis arrived – and has done well – they failed in a move for Vinicius Jr and did not add a top striker to do what Viktor Gyokeres cannot.

Bukayo Saka is currently injured and will not play against Liverpool, depleting Arteta’s options further, while there is also doubt over Noni Madueke and Tzolis’ involvement. Young Max Dowman is suspended, leaving Arteta with Gyokeres and Kai Havertz as his options.

On the other hand, though Liverpool are missing Hugo Ekitike, they still have plenty of firepower to call on having prioritised their attack this summer. Barcola could have joined Arsenal had he not been so intent on moving to Anfield, while there are some at the Emirates who longed for Isak’s arrival in 2025 as well.

Both players are absolutely elite on their day, and as they show signs of building a connection, Liverpool can exploit this against Arsenal.

The counterpoint is that Arsenal are a brilliant team defensively, and their midfield and defence will be difficult to break down, but, as Liverpool legend Steve Nicol said on ESPN this weekend, if the Reds can stop them coming the other way – as they really should – then they can rely on their difference-makers in attack to win them the game.

“Arsenal’s front three don’t seem to have any chemistry right now. In terms of what’s going on behind each team’s forward players, I think there’s no question that Arsenal are the strongest by some way, but in terms of creating chances and scoring goals, Arsenal are really not at their best. So, that is where this game is going to be won and lost for me.

“Liverpool are beginning to get a head of steam up, they do look as though they’re getting connections with each other, particularly Gakpo and Isak and Barcola, and Arsenal going forward, that’s why they couldn’t beat Fleetwood Town with all the ball and all the chances, that’s where their problems are going to be. Whoever’s forward line is at their sharpest is going to win this game.”

What will Liverpool’s front three be against Arsenal?

After linking up to score in each of Liverpool’s last two matches, it is virtually certain that, barring any last-minute injuries, Isak and Barcola will both start on Sunday. That will leave one spot open for Iraola to fill, with Rio Ngumoha and Cody Gakpo vying to take it.

Victor Munoz is in contention to return, but it feels unlikely that the Spaniard will be considered to start, and Iraola may make his decision based on where he decides to start Barcola.

If he puts the Frenchman on the right, then maybe Gakpo is the best option to start in his favoured left-sided role, but if Barcola plays on his natural left side, then Ngumoha could be the right choice.

Ngumoha has been in sparkling form recently, and though Gakpo scored in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup win over Chelsea, the Dutchman has not quite tapped into his pre-injury form just yet.

Nevertheless, Gakpo’s experience may be what just gives him the edge here, with Ngumoha seen as a quality option from the bench to run at tiring Arsenal legs.

Whatever Iraola decides, Liverpool’s attack is likely to look much stronger than Arsenal’s on paper, and though it is on the pitch where this game will be won, whether or not they make the most of that advantage will be crucial in deciding where the points end up.