Liverpool are bringing down the Premier League title race much tighter, as they now prepare to face Leeds United at Anfield.
Liverpool welcome Leeds United on Wednesday in a rearranged Premier League fixture. The tie was originally scheduled for Boxing Day last year but was postponed because of a Covid-19 outbreak in the Leeds camp.
The game comes at a crucial time of the season for the Reds. As Liverpool are eyeing to meltdown Man City’s lead at league standings to three points.
Liverpool vs Leeds United: Preview
The Reds remain in the title hunt after closing the gap to leaders Man City to six points at the weekend with their victory over Norwich, and City’s loss to Tottenham blowing the race open.
Klopp’s men are now the only club with a realistic chance of toppling City for the showpiece. Having taken 16 points from their last six games, Liverpool are the League’s in-form side at the moment.
In the last game on weekend, Liverpool smashed Norwich in a 3-1 win as Liverpool’s new front three of Diaz, Mane, and Salah all were on the scoresheet. Klopp will be hoping to replicate the same sort of performance and energy from his boys against Bielsa’s side.
Klopp has already claimed that the visit of Leeds will be Liverpool’s most important league match of the season so far. But with current form, Liverpool are surely expecting three points against struggling Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds.
The Yorkshire side Leeds United are very shaky at the back. Leeds have now lost three of their last four in the top flight. And conceded at least three goals in each of their last three games.
Bielsa’s defense is still seeking their first clean sheet of 2022. Moreover, a loss against Liverpool could push Leeds United close to the relegation zone.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are favourites for the fifth league double against the Whites, previously being in 1996-97, 1997-98, 1999-00, and 2002-03 seasons.
Moreover, in the last three home meetings against Leeds United, the Reds have scored ten goals and won all three games.
The Anfield faithful are yet to lose a Premier League game at home this season. Moreover, Klopp’s men have conceded just seven goals at Anfield this term.
Team News
Liverpool are expected to be without Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino for the fixture. Jota’s injury is still unclear, but likely to miss out on the midweek clash.
Firmino has a muscular issue which he sustained after the Inter Milan game, which also let to miss the Norwich tie last weekend.
Klopp’s first-choice full-backs Trent Alexander Arnold and Andrew Robertson are both likely to return to the starting eleven, after being rested in the weekend’s game.
Meanwhile, Divock Origi should be eyeing a rare start but is expected to appear as a Super-sub in the later stage of the game.
Liverpool possible starting lineup:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Elliott, Fabinho, Henderson; Diaz, Mane, Salah
Liverpool vs Leeds United : What Anfield Home Predicts
Leeds’ tally of 50 goals conceded includes 29 goals on the road this term. Bielsa’s men are the second-worst defensive outfit in the League currently.
It’s pleasant to watch Leeds’ commitment to attack, but it is their leaky defense costing the side. Moreover, three consecutive Premier League losses are enough to break any team’s confidence.
With current form, a trip to Anfield is the last thing the Whites wanted. There is no expectation of Leeds’s surprise from the fixture.
Liverpool looks very likely to prevail over Leeds United with a 3-1 win.
