Liverpool welcome Leeds United to Anfield on New Year's Day, looking to extend their recent resurgence in the Premier League.
Arne Slot's side, reigning champions but currently fourth in the table with 32 points from 18 games, have won their last three Premier League matches, including a 2-1 victory over Wolves. They trail leaders Arsenal by 13 points but have shown improved defensive solidity, conceding just twice in their last four outings.
Leeds, sitting 16th with 20 points, have impressed under Daniel Farke with an unbeaten run in their last five games, including emphatic home wins over Chelsea and Crystal Palace, and a 1-1 draw at Sunderland. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been in scintillating form, scoring seven goals in his last six appearances,
making him a major threat on counters.
The reverse fixture in December ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw at Elland Road, highlighting both teams' attacking prowess but defensive vulnerabilities-Liverpool have scored 19 goals in their last five meetings with Leeds, while recent head-to-heads often exceed 2.5 goals.
Liverpool vs Leeds Team News
Liverpool are without Mohamed Salah (AFCON duty with Egypt), while Alexander Isak, Wataru Endo, Joe Gomez, and long-term absentee Giovanni Leoni remain sidelined with injuries. Dominik Szoboszlai returns from suspension, boosting the midfield alongside Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, who have started to gel up front.
Leeds will miss key defender Joe Rodon (ankle injury, out until mid-January), alongside Sean Longstaff (calf) and Daniel James (thigh). Pascal Struijk or Jaka Bijol are likely to step in at center-back.Predicted Lineups:
Liverpool vs Leeds Predicted Lineups
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Ekitike.
Leeds (3-5-2): Perri; Bijol, Struijk, Ampadu; Bogle, Aaronson, Stach, Gudmundsson; Okafor, Calvert-Lewin.
Liverpool vs Leeds Prediction
Liverpool's home advantage, superior squad depth, and momentum should prove decisive against a resilient but depleted Leeds side. Expect goals given both teams' leaky defenses and recent trends, but the Reds to edge it. They have restored some form in recent times and Arne Slot's men will be aiming nothing but three points. Leeds will have to play out of their skins but the Anfield atmosphere may take the home team over the line.
Score Prediction: Liverpool 2 Leeds United 1
