Only some weeks after their dramatic six-goal draw at Elland Street, Liverpool and Leeds reconvene at Anfield for a New 12 months’s Day Premier League conflict.
Liverpool come into the competition on the again of a four-game successful run in all competitions after edging Wolves 2-1, whereas Leeds have prolonged their unbeaten sequence to 5 matches following a 1-1 draw away at Sunderland.
Regardless of Wolves pushing them onerous at Molineux, Liverpool finally had sufficient high quality to prevail, with quickfire second-half targets from Ryan Gravenberch and Florian Wirtz sealing the factors.
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 prime 4 and restoring optimism round Anfield.
The Reds additionally boast an impressive New 12 months’s Day document, having not misplaced a Premier League fixture on January 1 since 2005, successful 5 and drawing certainly one of their six league matches performed on that date since then.
Leeds, in the meantime, arrive with momentum of their very own after piecing collectively a five-game unbeaten run, which has given them respiratory room above the relegation zone.
Their draw at Sunderland was respectable, nevertheless it prolonged a worrying away run that now stands at six league video games with out a win, throughout which they’ve additionally didn’t maintain a clear sheet.
The Whites have been delighted to take some extent from December’s 3-3 draw with Liverpool, and after successful 2-1 at Anfield in 2022, they now have the chance to safe back-to-back league wins at this venue for the primary time of their historical past.
Workforce information for Liverpool v Leeds
Liverpool will welcome Dominik Szoboszlai again into the squad after he served a suspension, and the midfielder is predicted to return to the beginning lineup.
Joe Gomez and Wataru Endo stay sidelined with muscle and ankle points respectively, whereas Mohamed Salah is away on worldwide responsibility on the Africa Cup of Nations.
Alexander Isak and Giovanni Leoni are additionally unavailable via damage, whereas Cody Gakpo is more likely to begin on the bench as soon as once more.
Leeds face a serious defensive concern after Joe Rodon was compelled off with an ankle damage towards Sunderland, and the centre-back is predicted to overlook this journey to Anfield.
Sean Longstaff and Daniel James additionally stay unavailable, whereas Ao Tanaka could possibly be drafted into midfield if Daniel Farke opts to maneuver away from his regular three-man defence.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is ready to steer the road after changing into the primary Leeds participant to attain in six consecutive Premier League video games.
Anticipated 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
Learn how to watch Liverpool v Leeds: TV channel, on-line stream
Kick-off on Thursday is at 17:30 GMT (12:30 ET / 09:30 PT), with dwell protection within the UK on Sky Sports activities Most important Occasion.
Through Now TV, Sky Sports activities prices £14.99 for a day membership, £28 a month for a 12-month membership or £34.99 a month with no contract.
Sky Sports activities memberships embrace entry to all 12 dwell Sky Sports activities channels and Sky Sports activities+, which gives dwell streams and a devoted channel.
Streaming is out there on an unlimited number of units by way of the Sky GO app.
The stats for Liverpool v Leeds
• Liverpool are unbeaten of their final six Premier League matches
• Liverpool have received 4 consecutive video games in all competitions
• Liverpool haven’t misplaced a Premier League match on January 1 since 2005
• Leeds are unbeaten of their final 5 Premier League fixtures
• Leeds have didn’t maintain a clear sheet in six immediately league video games
• Each groups have scored in every of Leeds’ final eight matches
• Liverpool and Leeds drew 3-3 within the reverse fixture earlier this season
• Leeds have received simply certainly one of their final 16 away league video games towards reigning champions
Prediction
Liverpool 3-1 Leeds United
Leeds’ latest scoring run suggests they will bother Liverpool, notably from set items, the place the hosts have proven some vulnerability.
Nevertheless, the doubtless absence of Rodon and a possible tactical reshuffle may weaken the guests defensively, and Liverpool’s attacking depth ought to show decisive as they give the impression of being to start out the brand new 12 months with one other residence win.
