Liverpool vs Leeds: Prediction, Lineups & Team News | Premier League Preview

Liverpool Look to Extend Winning Streak Against Leeds United on New Year’s Day

Liverpool and Leeds United are set to renew their rivalry at Anfield on January 1st in a Premier League clash, just weeks after a memorable six-goal thriller at Elland Road. The reds currently boast a four-match winning run, most recently securing a 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, while Leeds United are on a five-match unbeaten streak following a 1-1 draw with Sunderland.

A Clash of Fortunes and Form

On paper, the matchup presents a stark contrast: the reigning champions against a team previously considered among the Premier League’s lowest-ranked sides. However, as Arsenal recently discovered, even teams at the bottom of the table can pose a notable challenge.

The atmosphere on Merseyside is demonstrably improving, even in the absence of star player Mohamed Salah, currently competing in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Liverpool’s historical record on New year’s Day further bolsters their confidence. The club hasn’t lost a Premier League game on January 1st in 21 years, dating back to a 2005 defeat against Chelsea under Rafael Benitez. over the past two decades, they’ve secured five wins and one draw in their six New Year’s Day battles.

Leeds United’s Momentum and Road Challenges

Leeds United also enters the match with positive momentum, having strung together five unbeaten games to create a comfortable buffer over 18th-placed West Ham United. Though, their recent results reveal a concerning trend: a six-match winless run on the road and a continued struggle to secure a clean sheet away from home.

Their recent 3-3 draw with Liverpool in December was a positive result for the Whites, and they previously upset the Reds with a 2-1 victory at Anfield in 2022.A win at Anfield would mark their first back-to-back league victories at the stadium in club history. Though, historically, Leeds have struggled against reigning champions, with only one victory in their last 16 top-flight away games against the titleholders – a shock win over Arsenal at Highbury in 2003.

Team News and Potential Lineups

Liverpool will welcome back Dominik Szoboszlai from suspension, likely displacing Federico Chiesa who had a limited run in the previous match. Though,Joe gomez and Wataru Endo remain sidelined with muscle and ankle injuries,respectively,alongside the long-term absences of Alexander Isak and Giovanni Leoni,and of course,Salah due to his participation in the africa Cup of Nations. Cody Gakpo will be aiming to score in Liverpool’s first game of the calendar year for the third consecutive year, a feat last achieved by Ian Rush in the 1980s, though he is expected to feature as a substitute.

For Leeds, the injury to key defender Joe Rodon, sustained at Sunderland, is a significant blow.Rodon’s absence could force manager Daniel Farke to revert to a back four, possibly including Ao Tanaka, who replaced Rodon in the previous match and scored against Liverpool in december. On a brighter note, Dominic Calvert-Lewin continues his notable scoring form, becoming the first Leeds player to find the net in six successive Premier League games, surpassing even Harry Kane’s longest scoring sequence in the competition.

Liverpool possible starting lineup: Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Ekitike

Leeds United possible starting lineup: Perri; Bogle, Struijk, Bijol, Gudmundsson; Stach, Ampadu, Tanaka; Aaronson, calvert-Lewin, Okafor

Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Leeds United

Leeds united’s recent scoring record suggests both teams will find the net, continuing a trend of eight consecutive matches with goals for the Whites. However, Rodon’s absence will undoubtedly disrupt Leeds’ tactical setup, potentially weakening their effective 3-5-2 structure. This disruption, coupled with Liverpool’s resurgence, suggests a likely victory for the champions on New Year’s Day.