Liverpool vs Leeds Preview: Team News & Prediction

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This was an absolute classic in the reverse fixture at Elland Road a few weeks ago and now Liverpool and Leeds United do battle again at Anfield on New Year’s Day.

Kick-off date/time: 1 January 2026 at 5:30 pm

How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / USA – NBC

How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – Peacock

Liverpool preview: Pressure off for the Reds

The pressure may not necessarily be off for Liverpool but a run of results has certainly eased some of it for Arne Slot, especially after the crisis that ensued with Mohamed Salah’s post-match comments in the aftermath of their 3-3 draw away at Leeds.

The Reds managed to defeat bottom-of-the-table Wolverhampton Wanderers by two goals to one at Anfield at the weekend to mean that they are now unbeaten in their last seven matches in the Premier League.

Leeds preview: In-form Leeds

Leeds United continued their improved run of form with an impressive performance at the Stadium of Light the other day as they shared a 1-1 draw with Sunderland in a game in which they were by far the better of the two sides.

The Yorkshire giants have opened up a seven-point gap between themselves and the bottom three and the relegation places ahead of the 19th match day of the campaign, following a five-match unbeaten run of form.

Liverpool team news: Szoboszlai returns

Hungary international attacking midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai is back for Liverpool as the key man served his suspension against Wolves.

That has alleviated things in the attacking third of the pitch with club-record signing Alexander Isak missing through injury and Mohamed Salah away at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt.

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Frimpong, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Ekitike

Unavailable: Leoni (Injured), Gomez (Injured), Endo (Injured), Bajcetic (Injured), Salah (International duty), Danns (Injured), Isak (Injured)

Questionable: 

Leeds team news: Rodon out

Following their draw against Sunderland the other day, Daniel Farke has confirmed that Joe Rodon will now be out for around three weeks due to an ankle injury sustained on Sunday afternoon.

He joins what is a relatively short injury list that does include other key first-teamers such as midfielder Sean Longstaff and Wales international attacker Daniel James.

Predicted XI (3-4-3): Perri; Bornauw, Bijol, Struijk; Bogle, Stach, Tanaka, Gudmundsson; Okafor, Calvert-Lewin, Aaronson

Unavailable: Rodon (Injured), Longstaff (Injured), James (Injured)

Questionable: 

Liverpool vs Leeds prediction

Liverpool have begun to find a bit of fluency and form, albeit they remain some way off the dominant and controlling side of the 2024/25 title winning campaign. They face a Leeds side that, if they continue to show ambition on the attack, as they have in the recent past, should mean they have a good chance of finding openings in the still shaky Liverpool defence, albeit the hosts have to remain favourites.

Liverpool vs Leeds tip: Liverpool to win & both teams to score