Salah Set to Return as Liverpool Shake Up Squad Following Midweek Disappointment Against Leeds
Liverpool are looking to recover from another Premier League setback when they travel to face Leeds United this Saturday.
The Merseyside club ended their poor run last weekend with a clean sheet victory against West Ham United, but another lackluster performance resulted in a 1–1 stalemate with impressive Sunderland in midweek. Liverpool lacked inventiveness and conceded several excellent chances as their defensive frailties were highlighted once more.
Positioned ninth in the table and trailing league-topping Arsenal by a massive 11 points, the heat is intensifying on Arne Slot, who urgently requires three points at Elland Road. Leeds won't be easy opponents though, having recently defeated Chelsea 3–1 on their own ground.
Here's how Liverpool might set up this Saturday.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Leeds (4-2-3-1)
GK: Alisson—A deflected shot got past the Brazilian goalkeeper midweek as Liverpool couldn't maintain back-to-back clean sheets. Alisson still made several crucial saves during the Sunderland draw and will probably face plenty of action in Yorkshire.
RB: Conor Bradley—Joe Gomez has featured in the last two games at right-back but with him requiring rest, Bradley should return to the starting eleven on Saturday after being declared fit for the first time since the November international window.
CB: Ibrahima Konaté—The French defender was characteristically shaky against the physical Brian Brobbey on Wednesday and his wayward passing created problems for Liverpool again. However, they lack alternative center-back options.
CB: Virgil van Dijk—Van Dijk was at fault for Chemsdine Talbi's midweek goal, losing possession to Sunderland before retreating from the winger as his distance shot deflected off the Liverpool captain.
LB: Milos Kerkez—Slot remains committed to getting Kerkez back to his best form and the Hungarian should regain his place after being substituted for Andy Robertson on Wednesday evening. He will at minimum offer attacking width.
DM: Ryan Gravenberch—The Premier League's 2024–25 Young Player of the Season has appeared considerably below his typical level in recent weeks and Liverpool's dependence on him in the holding role has prevented any rotation chances.
DM: Dominik Szoboszlai—Szoboszlai has been deployed on the right flank instead of Mohamed Salah but is far better suited to a midfield position. He could drop into the double pivot with Alexis Mac Allister performing well beneath his capabilities.
RW: Mohamed Salah—Salah will rejoin the squad shortly after consecutive omissions and his return should happen at Elland Road. He netted twice during his last visit to this ground and urgently requires a morale-lifting display.
AM: Florian Wirtz—Wirtz has been Liverpool's most impressive performer recently, delivering two showings that better reflect his enormous talent. The Reds still require more from their £116 million acquisition, but it represents progress.
LW: Cody Gakpo—Sunderland anticipated Gakpo's signature play—drifting inward onto his right foot and targeting the distant corner—and he was substituted at the interval consequently. Nevertheless, he remains Liverpool's leading contributor in terms of goals and assists this campaign.
ST: Hugo Ekitiké—Alexander Isak faded back into obscurity on Wednesday following his maiden league strike for Liverpool against West Ham. Ekitiké, who consistently brings energy and work rate, should take his place.
