Match Overview

Liverpool host Leeds United at Anfield on Thursday as the Premier League calendar turns to 2026. The reverse fixture ended 3-3 in early December, setting the tone for another high-tempo meeting. Light rain and a chilly 41°F are expected, which could impact ball speed and footing. With both sides showing recent scoring form, this clash promises intensity and chances at both ends.

• Fixture: Liverpool vs Leeds United
• Competition: Premier League
• Venue: Anfield
• Date: 01-01-2026
• Kickoff: 17:30 GMT / 17:30 UTC

Predicted Lineups

Liverpool

• Alisson (Goalkeeper)
• I. Konaté
• V. van Dijk
• M. Kerkez
• A. Robertson
• A. Mac Allister
• R. Gravenberch
• F. Wirtz
• D. Szoboszlai
• H. Ekitike
• Mohamed Salah

Leeds United

• Lucas Perri (Goalkeeper)
• J. Bogle
• G. Gudmundsson
• J. Rodon
• E. Ampadu
• A. Stach
• B. Aaronson
• A. Tanaka
• I. Gruev
• D. Calvert-Lewin
• N. Okafor

Injury & Suspension Report

Liverpool

• W. Endo – Ankle Injury
• A. Isak – Broken Leg
• Stefan Bajčetić – Hamstring Injury
• C. Scanlon – Hamstring Injury
• J. Gomez – Injury
• Mohamed Salah – International duty
• G. Leoni – Knee Injury

Leeds United

• J. Rodon – Ankle Injury
• S. Longstaff – Calf Injury
• D. James – Hamstring Injury

Head-to-Head

Recent meetings between these clubs have been open, with an average of 4.5 goals across the last six encounters. Liverpool have 54 wins from 101 all-time clashes, while Leeds have 23 victories. The most recent meeting at Elland Road on December 6 ended 3-3.

Match Analysis & Prediction

The conditions suggest a slick surface, which should quicken transitions and test first touches. Liverpool typically push the tempo at Anfield and will aim to pin Leeds back through aggressive pressing and wide rotations. The wet pitch may reward direct runs and early deliveries into the box.

Liverpool’s recent league sequence of four wins in five, with 10 goals scored, underlines their attacking rhythm. Ryan Gravenberch’s strike against Wolves highlighted productive midfield movement, while Hugo Ekitike’s form is timely: eight for the campaign and three in his last three, plus a brace in the 3-3 reverse fixture. The one caveat from recent trends is some defensive vulnerability against similarly ranked sides, where they’ve conceded at a higher rate than they would like.

Leeds arrive with signs of momentum, having scored 11 in their last five league matches. A 4-1 win over Crystal Palace featured a brace from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and their recent run includes two wins and a draw in five. They combine energetic pressing with a solid block and will look to exploit moments when Liverpool commit numbers forward.

Liverpool pressing vs Leeds grit at Anfield

Expect Liverpool to compress the middle and attack the channels through their full-backs and advanced midfielders, forcing turnovers high up the pitch. Leeds are likely to counter with compact spacing, disciplined duels, and quick releases to Calvert-Lewin and Okafor. Given the high-scoring trend between these sides, both teams should create, but Liverpool’s home intensity and recent output give them the edge.

Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Leeds United.