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Just weeks after their dramatic six-goal draw at Elland Road, Liverpool And Leeds Regain at Anfield for New Year’s Day Premier League collision
Liverpool come into the contest on the back of a four-game winning run in all competitions after beating Wolves 2-1, while Leeds extended their unbeaten run to five matches after drawing 1-1 at Sunderland.
Despite Wolves pressing them hard at Molineux, Liverpool had enough quality to eventually win, sealing the points with quickfire second-half goals from Ryan Gravenburch and Florian Wirtz.
That victory marked Liverpool’s fourth consecutive win in all competitions and their third league win in a row, moving them into the Premier League’s top four and restoring optimism around Anfield.
The Reds have not lost a Premier League match on 1 January since 2005, winning five and drawing one of their six league matches played on that date since, also holding the outstanding New Year’s Day record.
Leeds, meanwhile, are arriving with momentum of their own, stringing together a five-game unbeaten run, which has given them breathing space above the relegation zone.
Their draw at Sunderland was respectable, but extended a worrying away run that has now stretched to six league games without a win, during which they have failed to even keep a clean sheet.
The Whites were delighted to take a point from December’s 3-3 draw with Liverpool and, after a 2-1 win at Anfield in 2022, now have the chance to make it back-to-back league wins at the venue for the first time in their history.
Team news for Liverpool vs Leeds
Liverpool will welcome Dominik Soboszaline back into the squad after serving a suspension, and the midfielder is expected to return to the starting lineup.
Joe Gomez and Wataru Ando are sidelined with muscle and ankle problems respectively, while Mohamed Salah is on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Alexander Isak and Giovanni Leone are also unavailable through injury, while Cody Gakpo is likely to start on the bench once again.
Leeds face a major defensive concern after Joe Roden was forced off with an ankle injury against Sunderland and the centre-back is expected to miss the trip to Anfield.
Sean Longstaff and Daniel James also remain unavailable, while Ao Tanaka could be drafted into midfield if Daniel Farke opts to move away from his usual three-man defence.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is set to lead the line after becoming the first Leeds player to score in six consecutive Premier League games.
Expected line-ups for Liverpool vs Leeds
Liverpool: Allison; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Ekti
Leeds: Perry; Bogle, Struijk, Bijol, Gudmundsson; Stach, Ampadu, Tanaka; Aronson, Calvert-Levine, Okafor
How to Watch Liverpool vs Leeds: TV Channel, Stream Online
Kick-off on Thursday is at 17:30 GMT (12:30 ET / 09:30 PT), with live coverage of the main event on Sky Sports in the UK.
Via Now TV, Sky Sports costs £14.99 for a one-day membership, £28 for a 12-month membership or £34.99 a month with no contract.
A Sky Sports membership includes all 12 live Sky Sports channels and Sky Sports+, which offers live streams and a dedicated channel.
Streaming is available on various devices via the Sky GO app.
Stats for Liverpool vs Leeds
• Liverpool are unbeaten in their last six Premier League matches
• Liverpool have won four games in a row in all competitions
• Liverpool have not lost a Premier League match on 1 January since 2005
• Leeds are unbeaten in their last five Premier League matches
• Leeds have failed to keep a clean sheet in six straight league games
• Both teams have scored in each of Leeds’ last eight matches
• Liverpool and Leeds drew 3-3 in the reverse fixture earlier this season
• Leeds have won just one of their last 16 away league games against the champions
guess
Liverpool 3-1 Leeds United
Leeds’ recent scoring run suggests they can trouble Liverpool, particularly from set pieces, where the hosts have shown some weakness.
However, Roden’s possible absence and possible tactical reshuffle could leave the visitors vulnerable defensively, and Liverpool’s attacking depth should prove crucial as they look to start the New Year with another home win.
Bet here
