Sports
Liverpool Vs Arsenal: Premier League Top Spot ‘Up For Grabs’ At Anfield [Preview]

Liverpool host Arsenal in a clash where the winner takes the top spot in the Premier League at Christmas and a golden chance to open up a significant lead over defending champions Manchester City, who won the Club World Cup on Friday night and will play their EPL fixture at a later date.
In what could potentially be the game of the season and a decider in the title race, both teams have similar game form in their last five Premier League games, with Liverpool winning three and two draws and Arsenal with four wins and one loss.
Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 10 Premier League home games against Arsenal. Also, the Gunners haven’t kept a clean sheet in any of the previous 15 top-flight meetings, conceding 43 goals during that run.
Gravenberch is fit to face Arsenal, but the game comes too soon for Alexis MacAllister and Diogo Jota. Andy Robertson, Thiago, Joel Matip, Stefan Bajcetic, and Ben Doak are long-term absentees.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and Luis Diaz should return to the XI after starting from the bench in the 5-1 win over West Ham in the Carabao Cup.
READ ALSO: VIDEO: Felipe Melo, Walker Involved In Heated Scuffle During Club World Cup Final
Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny is close to recovering from a hamstring problem, but Jorginho remains a doubt. Thomas Partey, Jurrien Timber, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Fabio Vieira all remain long-term absentees.
Head-to-head
Liverpool wins: 94
Arsenal wins: 82
Draws: 63
Liverpool possible starting XI:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Szoboszlai, Endo, Jones; Salah, Nunez, Diaz
Arsenal possible starting XI:
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Havertz; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
Sports
UCL, EPL: Petr Cech Advises Chelsea On How To Win Trophies
Chelsea legend, Petr Cech, has advised his old club on how to win the UEFA Champions League or the English Premier League.
Chelsea are already out of the Premier League title race this season, and they are at risk of missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification for next season because they are currently not in the ninth position on the Premier League table.
Speaking to The Athletic about Chelsea, Cech said that the Blues need to change their philosophy of signing only young players if they want to win the Premier League or Champions League.
READ ALSO:EPL: Guardiola Reveals Only Chance Man City Will Win Title Ahead Of Arsenal
According to the former goalkeeper, the Premier League west London club needs to add experienced players to mentor the young players in the squad.
“You have to look at what you want to achieve. You can have young, talented players, and you can win, but it’s very rare that you manage to do that,” he said.
“If you want to win every season and compete every season, that does not go together.
READ ALSO:EPL: Arsenal In Shock Move To Sign Kvaratskhelia From PSG
“You have to change your philosophy. Certain things don’t go together because, in order to win a Champions League or a Premier League… these are really tough competitions, and you have to be consistent.
“You need to have a strong core of the team. And then you can bring young, talented players who will grow faster and then will be held by the experienced players to help navigate them through difficult times when they come.”
Currently, Chelsea have just one player, Tosin Adarabioyo, who is over 28 this season, and the defender has not been playing regularly.
Sports
Enabulele Lauds Okpebholo’s Bold Reforms As Edo Sports Witnesses Revival
The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for what he described as a bold and transformative approach to sports development.
Speaking on efforts to reposition sports in the state, Enabulele noted that with Okpebholo’s visionary leadership, the sector has witnessed renewed growth.
In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, the Edo Sports Commission boss attributed the progress to the governor’s strategic policies and sustained commitment to youth development, which he said have laid the foundation for a more structured and results-driven system.
“His Excellency has demonstrated clear vision and genuine commitment to sports development. The level of support we are receiving has significantly repositioned Edo as a competitive force in national sporting events,” he said.
READ ALSO:Grassroots To Global Podium: Edo Sports Commission Marks Enabulele’s First Year In Office
He explained that targeted investments in grassroots development are already producing results, with a growing number of young talents being identified and nurtured across multiple disciplines.
“We are deliberately building from the grassroots. A large percentage of our athletes today are homegrown, which speaks to the sustainability of our development model,” Enabulele added.
The Commission, he noted, is also shifting away from an over-reliance on football to a broader multi-sport focus.
Edo State, he said, is now recording improved performances in athletics, combat sports, and other emerging areas.
READ ALSO:2025 NYG: Be Determined, Enabulele Charges Team Edo, As Screening Commences In A’Ibom
“Our goal is to strengthen all sports. The results are beginning to show across different disciplines, and this is only the start,” he said.
Enabulele further pointed to ongoing improvements in sports infrastructure and athlete welfare as critical factors in sustaining performance and encouraging wider participation among young people.
“We are building a system that will endure. With the continued support of the governor, Edo is on course to becoming a dominant force in sports at both national and international levels,” he stated.
He expressed confidence that the current momentum would translate into greater achievements for Edo athletes, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to excellence, discipline, and long-term development.
Sports
EPL: Chelsea Winger, Mudryk Banned For Four Years After Failing Drug Test
The Football Association, FA, on Wednesday imposed a four-year ban on Chelsea’s Mykhailo Mudryk over anti-doping violations, the Daily Mail reports.
This is the maximum punishment for the breach.
Mudryk had decided to appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, CAS.
READ ALSO:EPL: Diego Simeone Tipped To Replace Liam Rosenior At Chelsea
The 25-year-old submitted his appeal on February 25. It is understood a hearing has yet to be scheduled.
Mudryk has not featured for the Blues since November 28, 2024.
The Ukraine international arrived at Stamford Bridge in a £88m move from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2023.
He is under contract until 2030.
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