Only a few weeks after their dramatic six-goal draw at Elland Road, Liverpool and Leeds reconvene at Anfield for a New Year’s Day Premier League clash.
Liverpool come into the contest on the back of a four-game winning run in all competitions after edging Wolves 2-1, while Leeds have extended their unbeaten sequence to five matches following a 1-1 draw away at Sunderland.
Despite Wolves pushing them hard at Molineux, Liverpool ultimately had enough quality to prevail, with quickfire second-half goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Florian Wirtz sealing the points.
That victory marked Liverpool’s fourth successive win in all competitions and their third league win in a row, lifting them into the Premier League’s top four and restoring optimism around Anfield.
The Reds also boast an outstanding New Year’s Day record, having not lost a Premier League fixture on January 1 since 2005, winning five and drawing one of their six league matches played on that date since then.
Leeds, meanwhile, arrive with momentum of their own after piecing together a five-game unbeaten run, which has given them breathing room above the relegation zone.
Their draw at Sunderland was respectable, but it extended a worrying away run that now stands at six league games without a win, during which they have also failed to keep a clean sheet.
The Whites were delighted to take a point from December’s 3-3 draw with Liverpool, and after winning 2-1 at Anfield in 2022, they now have the opportunity to secure back-to-back league wins at this venue for the first time in their history.
Team news for Liverpool v Leeds
Liverpool will welcome Dominik Szoboszlai back into the squad after he served a suspension, and the midfielder is expected to return to the starting lineup.
Joe Gomez and Wataru Endo remain sidelined with muscle and ankle issues respectively, while Mohamed Salah is away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Alexander Isak and Giovanni Leoni are also unavailable through injury, while Cody Gakpo is likely to start on the bench once again.
Leeds face a major defensive concern after Joe Rodon was forced off with an ankle injury against Sunderland, and the centre-back is expected to miss this trip to Anfield.
Sean Longstaff and Daniel James also remain unavailable, while Ao Tanaka could be drafted into midfield if Daniel Farke opts to move away from his usual three-man defence.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is set to lead the line after becoming the first Leeds player to score in six consecutive Premier League games.
Expected line-ups for Liverpool v Leeds
Liverpool: Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Ekitike
Leeds: Perri; Bogle, Struijk, Bijol, Gudmundsson; Stach, Ampadu, Tanaka; Aaronson, Calvert-Lewin, Okafor
How to watch Liverpool v Leeds: TV channel, online stream
Kick-off on Thursday is at 17:30 GMT (12:30 ET / 09:30 PT), with live coverage in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event.
Via Now TV, Sky Sports costs £14.99 for a day membership, £28 a month for a 12-month membership or £34.99 a month with no contract.
Sky Sports memberships include access to all 12 live Sky Sports channels and Sky Sports+, which offers live streams and a dedicated channel.
Streaming is available on a vast variety of devices via the Sky GO app.
The stats for Liverpool v Leeds
• Liverpool are unbeaten in their last six Premier League matches
• Liverpool have won four consecutive games in all competitions
• Liverpool have not lost a Premier League match on January 1 since 2005
• Leeds are unbeaten in their last five Premier League fixtures
• Leeds have failed to keep a clean sheet in six straight away league games
• Both teams have scored in each of Leeds’ last eight matches
• Liverpool and Leeds drew 3-3 in the reverse fixture earlier this season
• Leeds have won just one of their last 16 away league games against reigning champions
Prediction
Liverpool 3-1 Leeds United
Leeds’ recent scoring run suggests they can trouble Liverpool, particularly from set pieces, where the hosts have shown some vulnerability.
However, the likely absence of Rodon and a potential tactical reshuffle could weaken the visitors defensively, and Liverpool’s attacking depth should prove decisive as they look to start the new year with another home win.
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