Liverpool welcome Leeds United to Anfield on Thursday in a fixture that arrives with both sides carrying momentum, ambition, and a sense that this meeting could shape the tone of their new year. With Liverpool pushing to extend a strong run of form and Leeds arriving unbeaten in five league matches.
Liverpool enter the match on the back of three straight Premier League victories. Arne Slot’s side appear to be rediscovering rhythm after a mixed spell earlier in the season. Their 2–1 win over Wolves last weekend suggested a confidence that is ever growing in this reformed Liverpool side. Their attacking cohesion gelling the best it has thus far this season.
However, Leeds are not travelling to Anfield as underdogs in poor form. They are unbeaten in their last five league games. A gritty 1–1 draw away at Sunderland in their most recent outing shows Leeds determination to stay in the league and that this Leeds side can be a thorn in the side of the top teams. Notably in the thrilling 3–3 draw against Liverpool earlier this month, where Dominic Calvert‑Lewin was on the scoresheet.
The chaotic six goal draw in the reverse fixture just earlier this month showed that Leeds have the tools to disrupt Liverpool’s structure. Calvert‑Lewin’s physicality and movement caused problems, and Liverpool’s defensive line struggled with Leeds’ direct transitions.
The fixture is prone to throwing up a goal-fest with 22 goals being scored in just the last 4 meetings between the two in the premier league.
Slot’s Liverpool typically operate in a 4‑2‑3‑1 shape, aiming to dominate possession and create overloads in wide areas. Their recent form suggests improved fluidity, with Florian Wirtz particularly influential in the win over Wolves. Slot said Wirtz is getting “Better and better every game and it was not a surprise he scored a goal”. His creativity between the lines will be central to Liverpool’s attempts to break down a Leeds side that defends aggressively but can be exposed by quick combinations.
Leeds, meanwhile, will likely lean on compactness, counter‑attacks, and set‑piece threat. The key to beating Liverpool may be through set piece threat as they have conceded two in two games from set pieces. Also letting In the most of any side in the premier league this season with 12. Leeds’ recent results show a team capable of absorbing pressure and striking efficiently when chances arise. With 25 league goals so far, they have enough firepower to make this a contest.
Liverpool are expected to field a strong side, with no major new injury concerns since Alexander Isak. Slot may rotate slightly given the congested schedule, but the spine of the team—Wirtz, Szoboszlai, Van Dijk—should remain intact.
Leeds also appear to have a relatively stable squad available, and Calvert‑Lewin’s form makes him an automatic starter. However, Joe Rodon was involved in a heavy challenge and forced off in the first half against Sunderland. Their midfield balance and defensive discipline will be crucial if they are to withstand Liverpool’s pressure.
