Liverpool vs Arsenal best XI: Bruno Guimaraes misses out as Virgil van Dijk pushes out Mikel Arteta defender

Liverpool will look to drag themselves into the fight for the Premier League title on Sunday, when they welcome Arsenal to Anfield in the biggest match of gameweek nine.

Andoni Iraola's Reds find themselves in fifth place with 15 points, and they trail their second-placed opponents by six points, while the Gunners are level with first-placed Manchester City.

The hosts come into the clash on the back of five consecutive victories, and optimism is slowly building in the fanbase about potentially challenging the champions for their crown.

Though the season is early, the below combined XI is based primarily on how the players in the respective squads have performed this campaign, and it may be a surprise to see Liverpool dominate in a number of positions.

Here, Football Whispers takes a closer look at the best XI of Liverpool and Arsenal players this season.

GK: David Raya (Arsenal)

David Raya just about gets the nod over Alisson Becker, and while there is an argument that both goalkeepers have performed similarly when it comes to shot-stopping, the Arsenal star has been better with his feet.

The Gunners number one has played 44 accurate long balls so far in eight Premier League games, whereas the Reds goalkeeper has produced just 33, and distribution puts Raya ahead between the posts.

RB: Ronald Araujo (Liverpool)

Since signing from Barcelona on loan, Ronald Araujo has been a defensive revelation for Liverpool, helping the team keep four clean sheets in their last six league games.

There is a strong argument that Jurrien Timber is the best right-back between the clubs, though he has only started one Premier League match this season, so he unfortunately misses out.

CB: Jeremy Jacquet (Liverpool)

Arguably signing of the season, Liverpool centre-back Jeremy Jacquet has been as close to flawless as a new arrival could be.

Some fans and pundits have suggested that he could be the successor to the next player in this combined XI, with his ability to win duels matched by his passing range.

CB: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Despite being 35, Virgil van Dijk still could be the best centre-back in England, with the Reds captain still winning his individual battles.

In fact, the centre-back has incredibly won 77% of his duels in the Premier League, including 78% of his aerial duels, something that has helped Liverpool keep opponents out from set pieces.

LB: Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal)

Riccardo Calafiori is not only the best left-back between the two clubs, but the Gunners star is also the best left-back in English football.

Though Arsenal have at times been criticised for their offensive play, Calafiori has shown that he is capable of bursting into the box to score and combine with teammates, with the Italian having scored one goal and provided two assists in the league so far.

CM: Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)

It is testament to the quality of Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard that he has managed to make it into the team ahead of Florian Wirtz, who cost Liverpool £116m.

The Norwegian is an excellent presser, a strong tempo setter and he has already scored four times and produced one assist in all competitions.

CM: Declan Rice (Arsenal)

If there was one word to describe Arsenal's Declan Rice this season, it would be ‘energy', but it has been extraordinary to see him cover such large distances after a tolling World Cup with England.

Rice is one of the most athletic players in the Premier League, and his ability to prevent opposition counter-attacks makes him a valuable asset for the Londoners.

CM: Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool)

Alexis Mac Allister was written off after a disastrous 2025-26 at Anfield, but he has rediscovered the form that he displayed during Liverpool's title-winning season in 2024-25.

The midfielder has often played at the base of midfield this term despite being at his best as a number eight, but he has still been incredibly impactful, netting four goals and registering one assist, while also contributing defensively.

RW: Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool)

Bukayo Saka would have been the obvious inclusion on the right side of attack, but his injury means he cannot be considered for selection, though Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha is by no means a poor replacement.

The 18-year-old has started to shine as a right-winger, especially when he is isolated against opposition full-backs, and it is no surprise that he has produced two assists in his last 169 minutes on the pitch.

ST: Alexander Isak (Liverpool)

Arsenal's striker options have both struggled to consistently impact games this season, meaning the pathway to the number nine role is clear for Liverpool's Alexander Isak.

Many were concerned by his showings in 2025-26, but he joined a dysfunctional team and suffered a major injury in December.

In the Premier League this season, Isak has scored six goals in seven appearances, and he could be the most important player on either team on Sunday.

LW: Bradley Barcola (Liverpool)

After a slow start to life at Anfield, Bradley Barcola has finally arrived, with the winger having netted three goals and provided two assists in his last five appearances.

The forward is yet to score in the Premier League, but he did set up Isak for his goal against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend.