Preview: Liverpool vs Leeds United

Preview: Liverpool vs Leeds United

Whites travel to Anfield.

Leeds United travel to the Premier League’s in-form side on Wednesday evening, as they take on Liverpool at Anfield.

The Reds currently sit in second position in the standings and have won their last five on the bounce in the league, whilst Leeds have just the one win in that same period of games. 

Liverpool’s win last time out against Norwich City on home turf was hard-fought. Jurgen Klopp’s outfit were a goal behind with just under 30 minutes remaining, but turned on the style to run out comfortable winners in the end and in doing so, moved within six points of top spot.

The Whites were involved in a match full of goals on Sunday, which ultimately went against them. After being two goals down at the interval against Manchester United, Rodrigo and Raphinha netted inside a minute of each other to bring the game level. However, the away side scored twice more to take the points. 


Jon Howe


When the two teams met last season, the outcomes and matches themselves were very close. The opening day of the 2020/21 campaign saw Leeds lose a thrilling 4-3 encounter, whilst Elland Road hosted another hard-fought match, ending in a 1-1 draw between the two teams. 

Wednesday’s fixture is expected to be another high-energy match full of exciting football and more than likely, goals. The two teams have attack-minded styles and there is no doubt they will each be aiming to take three points.

Raphinha scored his ninth goal of the season at the weekend, which puts him joint fourth in the Premier League’s top-scorers list up to now. The top two in the standings both play for the hosts, with Mo Salah having another impressive season with 17, whilst Diogo Jota has 12 to his name.  

Showing their attacking intent and further threats, Liverpool also occupy the top three slots in the assists chart. Trent Alexander-Arnold has 10, whilst Salah is on nine, backed up by Andy Robertson on eight. For Leeds, there is no stand-out leader on assists, but most of the squad have registered on the list.

As always, points will mean movement in the standings if Bielsa’s side come away with them. Leeds are five points ahead of 18th placed Watford, but just three behind 13th placed Crystal Palace in a congested ongoing battle.

The home side have the possibility of edging even closer to Manchester City at the top with a victory, which would be perfect timing before  another huge game coming up at the weekend. Liverpool will be at Wembley on Sunday in the Carabao Cup final, against Chelsea. 

Wednesday's match will not be shown live on television, but as always, there will be full updates on the game right here on leedsunited.com. Subscribers can also listen live to full commentary from Elland Road, on LUTV.


Manager/head coach:

Liverpool: Jurgen Klopp

Leeds: Marcelo Bielsa


What Marcelo Bielsa said, ahead of the match?

“They are one of the great teams in the league. Like every game, we will try to prevent their attacks from damaging us and make our attacks damage them.” 


League position

Liverpool: 2nd

Leeds: 15th 


Premier League form

Liverpool: WWWWW

Leeds: WLDLL


Top scorer

Liverpool: Mo Salah (17)

Leeds: Raphinha (9)


Head to head

Liverpool: 61

Draws: 31

Leeds: 28


A memorable moment against Liverpool…


Team news

Marcelo Bielsa will be without Robin Koch at Anfield, with the defender following concussion protocols. The Whites will also still be without Kalvin Phillips, Liam Cooper, Patrick Bamford and Leo Hjelde. 

For the hosts, Roberto Firmino is expected to still be out after missing the victory over Norwich, along with fellow forward Diogo Jota who has an ankle injury. Those two are the only known injury issues in Jurgen Klopp’s squad at present. 


Officials

Referee - Michael Oliver

Assistant Referee - Stuart Burt

Assistant Referee - Simon Bennett

Fourth Official - Tony Harrington

Video Assistant Referee - Lee Mason


A key battle

Sadio Mane vs Jack Harrison

Take a look at some key stats from two key players on each side. Both like to operate down the left-flank and will aim to find the net, or set-up a teammate, wherever possible. 


Latest odds

Liverpool: 1/7

Draw: 15/2

Leeds: 14/1


How to watch

The match will not be broadcast live within the UK. Live commentary is available as always on LUTV, with blog updates throughout on leedsunited.com

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