Liverpool Set to Battle Leeds: Key Matchups, Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed

Liverpool begin 2026 by hosting Leeds United at Anfield in the Premier League on Thursday.

The Reds concluded the previous year positively as they maintained their unbeaten streak at seven games and winning run at four with a triumph over Wolverhampton Wanderers. Similar to many recent victories, it wasn't completely persuasive for Arne Slot's team against the Premier League's basement club.

Liverpool's defensive weaknesses remain visible and were worryingly apparent during the away match with Leeds in early December. Two advantages were relinquished in a frantic 3–3 stalemate, with Ao Tanaka's injury-time goal from a corner also highlighting Liverpool's susceptibilities at dead-ball situations.

Stalemates for Chelsea and Manchester United on Tuesday evening ensure Liverpool maintain their top-four position for another gameweek, but will extend their lead to five points over their competitors with success against the Whites.

Leeds won't be easy opponents, though, as they continue a five-game unbeaten sequence that began with success over Chelsea and was prolonged by an away stalemate at Sunderland most recently. Dominic Calvert-Lewin's excellent scoring streak has been crucial to the Yorkshire club moving six points away from relegation after netting seven times in his previous six appearances.

Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of the New Year's Day clash.

What Time Does Liverpool vs. Leeds Kick Off?

Liverpool vs. Leeds Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)

Current Form (All Competitions)

How to Watch Liverpool vs. Leeds on TV, Live Stream

Liverpool Team News

Liverpool will benefit from Dominik Szoboszlai's comeback after completing his one-game ban against Wolves, with the Hungarian taking Federico Chiesa's place on the right flank.

Nevertheless, the Reds continue to miss important players. Alexander Isak's fractured leg ensures Hugo Ekitiké will spearhead the attack again, while Mohamed Salah remains with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Wataru Endo, Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni are unavailable elsewhere, while Conor Bradley and Andy Robertson might take over from Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez in the fullback positions.

Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Leeds

Liverpool predicted lineup vs. Wolves (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Bradley, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Ekitiké.

Leeds Team News

Leeds are missing three regular starters for the trip to Anfield, importantly without centre-back Joe Rodon after his first-half substitution in the stalemate at Sunderland.

Summer signing Sean Longstaff continues his absence with a calf problem picked up in late November, while Dan James may not feature until February following a hamstring setback that has ruled him out since early December.

Daniel Farke should maintain the 3-5-2 formation that has delivered results despite Rodon's unavailability, with Sebastiaan Bornauw possibly replacing the Welsh defender.

Leeds Predicted Lineup vs. Liverpool

Leeds predicted lineup vs. Liverpool (3-5-2): Perri; Bornauw, Bijol Struijk; Bogle, Tanaka, Ampadu, Stach, Gudmundsson; Calvert-Lewin, Okafor.

Liverpool vs. Leeds Score Prediction

Confidence has increased on Merseyside after recent wins but Liverpool stay far from impressive. They should possess sufficient quality to overcome Leeds, with Szoboszlai's availability extremely significant, but they may struggle to secure their victory.

Leeds are brimming with self-belief and possess a striker in excellent form, prepared to exploit Liverpool's questionable defense. The Reds continue battling for shutouts despite improved results and will find it difficult to contain the Whites completely.

Prediction: Liverpool 3–2 Leeds