The Gunners were top of England's top flight at Christmas but have since fallen five points behind the Reds after a run of three games without a win, most recently losing 2-1 at Fulham.
Jurgen Klopp's outfit are already well placed for potential success in the Europa League and Carabao Cup and will be eyeing victory in north London despite the departure of Mohamed Salah to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Here's what you need to know about the biggest tie of the FA Cup third round.
What time does Arsenal vs Liverpool kick-off?
Location: London, England
Stadium: Emirates Stadium
Date: Sunday 7 December
Kick-off Time: 16:30 GMT / 11:30 ET / 08:30 PT
Referee: John Brooks
VAR: Simon Hooper
Current Form (Last Five Games)
Arsenal: DWDLL
Liverpool: DWDWW
How to watch Arsenal vs Liverpool on TV and live stream
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Arsenal team news
Takehiro Tomiyasu
Tomiyasu has left for international duty / Visionhau
Arsenal have said goodbye to Takehiro Tomiyasu and Mohamed Elneny as the two players jet off to the Asian Cup and AFCON respectively.
With Tomiyasu absent and Oleksandr Zinchenko facing a race to be fit in time, Jakub Kiwior could be plugged in at left-back. Fabio Vieira and Thomas Partey will play no part due to injuries.
Mikel Arteta is likely to field his strongest available team, though understudy Aaron Ramsdale could get a chance to impress if given the nod over David Raya in goal.
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Liverpool
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Liverpool (4-3-3): Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Odegaard, Rice, Havertz; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli.
Liverpool will have to find a way to replace Mohamed Salah's goal threat and creativity as he leaves for Egypt duty, with Wataru Endo also now departed to link up with Japan.
Diogo Jota, the Reds' second leading goalscorer this season with nine in all competitions, could earn his first start since the draw with Manchester City in late November after netting and assisting as a substitute against Burnley and Newcastle respectively.
Midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has been ruled out of the next two games with a hamstring problem, while long-term absentees Joel Matip, Stefan Bajcetic, Andy Robertson, Kostas Tsimikas and Thiago Alcantara remain out of action.
Liverpool predicted lineup vs Arsenal
Liverpool predicted lineup vs Arsenal (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Gomez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Jones; Jota, Nunez, Diaz.
Arsenal vs Liverpool score prediction
Arsenal looked leggy throughout the brutal festive period as they dropped crucial points in the title race but Arteta will see this mammoth tie as a chance for his side to lay down a marker and get back to winning ways.
Their prospects of progression to the fourth round are boosted by Salah's absence but Liverpool still boast goal threats who will be confident of breaching a Gunners defence that has been leaky of late.
An entertaining clash is in store and it might take a replay back on Merseyside to decide the winner of this FA Cup tie.
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