Liverpool vs Leeds: Preview, Prediction, Team News, Head-2-Head (h2h), Correct Score Prediction, Formation, Lineups & Current Form.
Liverpool begin their 2026 campaign at Anfield this Thursday, hosting a Leeds United side that has become a difficult opponent in recent weeks. Arne Slot’s men closed out 2025 in strong form, boasting a seven-match unbeaten streak and four consecutive wins – the latest being a hard-fought victory over Wolves.
However, despite their winning habit, the Reds have lacked total control in matches, with defensive lapses remaining a primary concern for the coaching staff. These vulnerabilities were on full display during the chaotic 3-3 draw between these two sides in December. On that occasion, Liverpool squandered two leads and were punished by a late Ao Tanaka equalizer that highlighted the team’s struggles with set-piece defending.
With Manchester United and Chelsea dropping points earlier this week, a win at Anfield would see Liverpool pull five points clear in the Champions League places. They must, however, contend with a Leeds side transformed by Dominic Calvert-Lewin, whose seven goals in six games have spearheaded a five-match unbeaten run for the visitors.
Match Details
- Date: Thursday, Jan. 1
- Kick-off Time: 5.30 p.m. GMT / 12.30 p.m. ET / 9.30 a.m. PT
- Location: Liverpool, England
- Stadium: Anfield
- Referee: Chris Kavanagh
- VAR: Darren England
Liverpool vs Leeds H2H Record (Last Five Games)
- Liverpool: 3 wins
- Leeds: 1 win
- Draws: 1
- Last meeting: Leeds 3-3 Liverpool (Dec. 6, 2025) – PL
Liverpool Team News
Liverpool’s squad receives a timely boost with Dominik Szoboszlai returning to the fold. After serving a one-match suspension during the win over Wolves, the Hungarian international is expected to reclaim his spot on the right wing, likely replacing Federico Chiesa. This return adds much-needed creativity to a side that is still navigating several high-profile absences.
The Reds remain thin in attack, however. With Alexander Isak sidelined by a broken leg, Hugo Ekitiké is set to lead the line again, while the influential Mohamed Salah remains unavailable due to his commitments with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations. Further back, Arne Slot may look to freshen up his defense; Conor Bradley and Andy Robertson are in contention to start at full-back in place of Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez. Meanwhile, Wataru Endo, Joe Gomez, and Giovanni Leoni all remain out of action.
Leeds Team News
Daniel Farke will be forced to adjust his lineup for the trip to Anfield, as Leeds United travel without three key first-team players. Most notably, center-back Joe Rodon is unavailable after being forced off during the first half of the recent draw at Sunderland. His absence leaves a significant hole in a defense that has been vital to Leeds’ recent unbeaten run.
Long-term absentees also include summer signing Sean Longstaff, who continues to recover from a calf injury picked up in November, and Dan James, whose hamstring injury is expected to keep him out until February. Despite these setbacks, Farke is expected to stick with his successful 3-5-2 formation. Sebastiaan Bornauw is the primary candidate to step into the back three as a direct replacement for the injured Welshman.
Liverpool vs Leeds Correct Score Prediction
A Test of Liverpool’s Consistency While recent victories have undoubtedly lifted the mood on Merseyside, Liverpool are still searching for a truly dominant performance. The return of Dominik Szoboszlai provides a vital creative spark, and the Reds should possess enough quality to overcome Leeds – though it is unlikely to be a straightforward affair.
Leeds travel to Anfield with high confidence and a focal point in Dominic Calvert-Lewin, whose red-hot scoring streak makes him a major threat to a Liverpool defense that has looked vulnerable. Despite their improved results, Arne Slot’s side has struggled to secure clean sheets, and they will find it difficult to completely shut out a resurgent Leeds attack.
Prediction: Liverpool 0-1 Leeds
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