TNT Sports pundit Rio Ferdinand says Liverpool are “100 percent favourites” heading into Sunday’s encounter versus Arsenal.

The Gunners have injuries to key players, while William Saliba is suspended, and Ferdinand believes that gives Arne Slot’s side the edge:

“I think Liverpool is 100 percent favourites based on form and momentum. They look like a team in a better position. Arsenal have been decimated by injuries and don’t have any momentum.”

“They aren’t firing on all cylinders and don’t look like the same team as last season. Liverpool are in great form right now and the tide appears to be turning.”

Liverpool’s recent results against Arsenal are not great

Despite the Reds having the momentum going into this weekend, it should be pointed out that the Merseysiders don’t have a great record against the Gunners recently.

They did win in the FA Cup last season, but that was more down to their opponents missing several gilt-edge opportunities.

Liverpool’s last league victory came in March 2022, when goals from Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino sealed the three points.

Arsenal v Liverpool team news

Slot has five players on the injury list at the moment. Diogo Jota (rib), Federico Chiesa (fitness) and Harvey Elliott (foot) are doubts for the trip to the Emirates. Conor Bradley (knock) and Alisson Becker (hamstring) have already been ruled out.

Arsenal have seven members of the first-team squad out of contention. In addition to the suspended Saliba, Bukayo Saka (hamstring) and Jurrien Timber (muscular) are 50/50 to play.

Riccardo Calafiori (knee), Martin Odegaard (ankle), Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) and Kieran Tierney (hamstring) are unavailable. With so many important players missing for the home side, many will agree with Ferdinand that Liverpool should be regarded as favourites for the match on Sunday evening.

Find out who is in Liverpool’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here