Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United side take on Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool on Sunday afternoon (4:30pm).
A highly anticipated fixture between two attacking teams will see another packed out Elland Road, generating another unforgettable atmosphere to witness such an exciting game of Premier League football.
The Whites head into the game looking to claim their first home league win of the season, after drawing with fellow Merseyside outfit, Everton last time out. Following that draw, Bielsa’s side are now unbeaten in their last seven matches on home turf, winning four and drawing three.
The Reds have played one and won one on their travels this season, which was an opening day 3-0 win at Norwich City. Their two other league matches earned them a further win, before a draw at home to Chelsea prior to the international break.
It has now been over 20 years since the Whites last tasted victory over Liverpool, with that win coming in a 2-1 success at Anfield in 2001. You have to go back 12 months earlier to find a win at Elland Road, which was a memorable 4-3 victory for Leeds where saw Mark Viduka score all four.
Last season, the two teams played out two tactical and entertaining encounters. An opening day seven-goal thriller saw the Reds win by the odd goal. The return leg in West Yorkshire ended with Diego Llorente netting a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw under the lights.
In a side clash of this big fixture, both Patrick Bamford and Mo Salah are in a race to a 100-goal milestone, which could be achieved on Sunday. Bamford is chasing down two more goals to hit 100 in his career, whilst Salah is just one away from 100 Premier League strikes.
One player hoping to make his debut and create an impact on this fixture will be Dan James. The winger signed for the Whites on deadline day from Manchester United, and is available for Sunday’s clash if selected.
A moment to remember:
Manager/head coach:
Leeds: Marcelo Bielsa
Liverpool: Jurgen Klopp
What has Marcelo Bielsa said, ahead of the match?
“Winning is always indispensable, there is always a motive to aim for that win that is very determined. The affection the fans and spectators transmit in the premier league at Elland Road, you can see it for yourself. Of course, that makes you emotional and it increases the desire to want to win the game.”
League position:
Leeds: 17th
Liverpool: 7th
Premier League form:
Leeds: LDD
Liverpool: WWD
Top scorer:
Leeds: Luke Ayling, Patrick Bamford, Mateusz Klich, Raphinha (1)
Liverpool: Mo Salah, Diogo Jota (2)
Head to head:
Leeds: 28
Draws: 31
Liverpool: 60
Last win against Liverpool:
13th April, 2001
Premier League
Liverpool 1 (Gerrard 54’)
Leeds United 2 (Ferdinand 4’, Bowyer 33’)
Team news:
Marcelo Bielsa confirmed in his pre-match press conference that an important trio are available for the match. Junior Firpo, Stuart Dallas and Mateusz Klich will be welcomed back into the side following recent time out or having been doubts for various reasons. Another boost ahead of the game is the option to select Raphinha. Central defender Robin Koch will still be missing.
Liverpool are also delighted to be able to count on their Brazilian players following the international break. A slight doubt was Virgil Van Dijk after taking a knock whilst with the Netherlands, but Jurgen Klopp has confirmed the defender is fit. Missing for the Reds however will be Bobby Firmino and Takumi Minamino.
Officials:
Referee – Craig Pawson
Assistant Referee 1 – Lee Betts
Assistant Referee 2 – Richard West
Fourth Official – Andy Madley
Video Assistant Referee – Darren England
The key battle:
Junior Firpo vs Mo Salah
Full-back and summer arrival Junior Firpo could line up against one of the Premier League’s current best players, in the form of Mo Salah. The Liverpool forward is fast approaching 100 goals in the league, and if Firpo can stop him from achieving that record on Sunday then it will go a long way towards helping the Whites to win the match. Equally, Salah will have to offer defensive support down that wing, because Firpo is known for his attacking ability too.
Latest odds:
Leeds United: 7/2
Draw: 16/5
Liverpool: 7/10
How to watch:
The match will be shown live on Sky Sports. Match commentary is available via LUTV.
Important supporter information:
