Szoboszlai Set to Spark Liverpool's Revival as Reds Target Leeds Victory
Liverpool are looking to kick off the new year on a winning note as they gear up for a Premier League clash against Leeds United on Thursday.
The Merseyside club has experienced a resurgence in recent weeks with seven matches without defeat and four consecutive victories across all tournaments, earning their way back into the top four after an encouraging sequence of results. Nevertheless, concerns persist about Arne Slot's team, especially concerning their vulnerable defensive line.
Liverpool will enter as clear favorites against the resurgent Leeds but need to remain cautious of the danger presented by the newly-promoted outfit, who managed to claim a draw against the Reds in early December. With fixtures arriving rapidly at the start of 2026, Slot must utilize every player in his depleted roster.
Here is how Liverpool might set up on New Year's Day.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Leeds (4-2-3-1)
GK: Alisson—Liverpool continue to depend on the exceptional talent of their Brazilian goalkeeper, who is unlikely to have a comfortable night against a Leeds side that has found the net in their last eight consecutive matches.
RB: Conor Bradley—Jeremie Frimpong delivered a solid performance against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the previous outing, but Bradley is expected to reclaim his right-back position against Leeds after only featuring for the final thirty minutes in the win over Wolves.
CB: Ibrahima Konaté—Konaté's reckless foul in the penalty area handed Leeds their way back into the previous encounter, which concluded 3–3 at Elland Road. Liverpool require a more disciplined display from the French defender on Thursday.
CB: Virgil van Dijk—Former Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin will undoubtedly pose problems for Liverpool having netted in his last six appearances, with Van Dijk responsible for containing the prolific striker.
LB: Andy Robertson—With the Leeds fixture being the opening match of nine January games for Liverpool, Slot must rotate his squad when feasible. Robertson replacing Milos Kerkez represents a logical change against the Yorkshire side.
DM: Ryan Gravenberch—Gravenberch netted his fourth strike of the campaign against Wolves and has now equaled his best goalscoring season since departing Ajax in 2022.
DM: Curtis Jones—The academy graduate has brought enhanced steadiness to the midfield since returning to the starting eleven and has now begun the previous five fixtures for the Reds. He's expected to retain his spot against Leeds.
RW: Dominik Szoboszlai—Liverpool's standout performer this season was notably absent against Wolves but will make his comeback for Leeds after serving his one-game ban. He found the target in the earlier meeting.
AM: Alexis Mac Allister—Liverpool are still waiting for Mac Allister to rediscover his best form, as he continues to deliver average performances beneath his typical high standards. He appears somewhat unsettled in his new advanced midfield position.
LW: Florian Wirtz—Wirtz finally broke his Liverpool scoring drought against Wolves with another promising performance. The Anfield faithful are beginning to see the finest qualities of their German creative midfielder.
ST: Hugo Ekitiké—Ekitiké's remarkable goalscoring streak started with a double at Elland Road and he provided an outstanding assist against Wolves despite not adding to his goal tally.
