Trey Nyoni has been handed his first Premier League start as Liverpool make seven changes for Sunday’s meeting with Arsenal at Anfield.
The 19-year-old midfielder is the most notable selection in Andoni Iraola’s starting XI, which also sees Alexander Isak return to lead the attack and Florian Wirtz restored to the side.
Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Munoz are both back in the matchday squad following injury, although neither is considered ready to start. Both are among the substitutes for the 4.30pm kick-off.
Liverpool head into the contest looking to extend their unbeaten run and close the gap on the Premier League leaders. Arsenal, meanwhile, are seeking a response after their surprise Carabao Cup defeat to Fleetwood Town.
Liverpool’s confirmed starting XI against Arsenal
Liverpool: Alisson; Ronald Araujo, Jeremy Jacquet, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez; Trey Nyoni, Alexis Mac Allister; Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz, Bradley Barcola; Alexander Isak.
Substitutes: Mamardashvili, Gomez, Endo, Szoboszlai, Tsimikas, Munoz, Gravenberch, Koumas, Ngumoha.
The selection, confirmed by Liverpool FC’s official website, represents seven changes from the side that defeated Chelsea on penalties in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
Nyoni gets his opportunity in midfield
Nyoni’s inclusion is the biggest talking point before kick-off.
Iraola has trusted the teenager alongside Alexis Mac Allister in central midfield, with Wirtz operating further forward.
It is a considerable responsibility against Arsenal, particularly given the visitors’ strength in central areas. Nyoni will need to offer composure in possession while helping Liverpool protect the space in front of their defence.
His selection also gives Liverpool an opportunity to assess how the young midfielder handles one of the Premier League’s more demanding fixtures.
With Ryan Gravenberch and the returning Szoboszlai on the bench, Iraola has experienced alternatives available should he need to change the midfield during the second half.
Isak returns to lead Liverpool’s attack
Alexander Isak starts through the middle, with Cody Gakpo and Bradley Barcola occupying the wide positions.
Wirtz’s return to the No. 10 role gives Liverpool another creative option between midfield and attack.
The combination offers opportunities to stretch Arsenal’s defence, but Liverpool will also need to retain possession and avoid allowing the visitors to control the tempo.
Rio Ngumoha is again among the substitutes, providing Iraola with another attacking option later in the game.
Szoboszlai and Munoz return from injury
Liverpool have received a timely boost with Szoboszlai and Munoz both available again.
The pair return to the matchday squad after spells on the sidelines, with Munoz having missed the previous three matches because of a knee problem.
Neither starts, but their availability gives Iraola greater flexibility as Liverpool enter a demanding period of fixtures.
At the back, Alisson starts behind Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk and Kerkez.
A significant test at Anfield
Liverpool begin the afternoon fifth in the Premier League, while Arsenal sit second and have the opportunity to return to the top of the table.
Iraola’s side are unbeaten in five matches across all competitions, most recently progressing past Chelsea in the Carabao Cup after a penalty shootout.
Arsenal’s preparations have been less straightforward. Mikel Arteta’s team suffered a shock cup exit against League Two Fleetwood Town in midweek and will be determined to respond.
As Sky Sports reports, victory would take Liverpool back above Chelsea, while Arsenal can move ahead of Manchester City if they avoid defeat.
There is also a recent precedent for Liverpool to draw confidence from. The Reds won this fixture 1-0 at Anfield last season before the teams played out a goalless draw at the Emirates.
The immediate focus, however, is on Iraola’s midfield selection and whether Nyoni can justify the faith shown in him on one of the biggest afternoons of Liverpool’s season so far.
Liverpool v Arsenal: Kick-off and TV details
Competition: Premier League
Date: Sunday 1 November 2026
Kick-off: 4.30pm GMT
Venue: Anfield
TV: Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League
Referee: Andy Madley
VAR: Stuart Attwell
The game is being shown live in the UK on Sky Sports, with streaming available through the Sky Sports app and NOW.
With Nyoni making his first league start, Isak leading the line and Szoboszlai back among the substitutes, Liverpool have an intriguing balance of youth and experience for a match that could have an important bearing on the Premier League table.
