Liverpool vs Leeds United: Premier League Prediction, Team News, Lineups (2026)

Buckle up, football fans – this New Year's Day clash between Liverpool and Leeds United at Anfield promises drama, redemption, and a potential upset that could shake up the Premier League standings! Just weeks after that unforgettable six-goal thriller at Elland Road and the buzz surrounding Mohamed Salah's antics, these two squads are set to reunite in a match that's got everyone talking. But here's where it gets controversial: can the underdogs really challenge the champions, or is this just another mismatch waiting to happen? Let's dive into the details and see what the stars align for this festive fixture.

Liverpool, led by manager Arne Slot, have been riding a wave of momentum, securing four straight wins to climb into the top four of the table. Their latest triumph came in a tense 2-1 victory over Wolves, where new signing Florian Wirtz finally netted his first Premier League goal after a series of near-misses – a moment that epitomized the team's resurgence. For beginners wondering about 'form,' it simply means a team's recent performance in matches, like a streak of wins that boosts confidence and morale. Liverpool's domestic form shows six games of mostly victories: wins, draws, and another win streak, while across all competitions, including cups, they've been similarly strong with draws and wins. This feel-good vibe is palpable on Merseyside, especially with Salah absent due to international duties in Morocco – imagine the Egyptian star watching from afar, perhaps pondering his next move.

And this is the part most people miss: Liverpool's historical edge on New Year's Day could play a huge role. They haven't lost a Premier League match on January 1st since 2003, when Chelsea defeated them under Rafael Benitez, and over the last 21 years, they've won five out of six such encounters. That's a stat that speaks volumes about their home advantage and ability to start the year on a high note.

Meanwhile, Leeds United, under Daniel Farke's guidance, are in a mini-revival of their own, unbeaten in their last five games after a gritty 1-1 draw against Sunderland. Their Premier League form includes a mix of losses, wins, and draws, showing they're capable of surprises but still struggling on the road. For context, Leeds' last New Year's Day Premier League outing was a 2-0 win over Birmingham City back in 2003, but they've only won one of their six league games on January 1st since then. Away from home against top teams like Liverpool, they've just one victory in 16 attempts – that shock 3-3 draw at Arsenal's Highbury in 2003. Yet, their recent form, with wins at home and a draw away, has given them a comfortable buffer over relegation-threatened West Ham, though their road woes persist with six winless matches and no clean sheets this season.

Remember that 3-3 thriller in December? It was a point for Leeds, and they've beaten Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield before in 2022 – could this be the year for back-to-back wins there? It's a controversial take, but some fans argue that Leeds' defensive solidity and attacking flair from players like Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who's scored in six straight Premier League games (a record streak for the club, outdoing even Harry Kane's in the league), make them underrated underdogs. On the flip side, others say Liverpool's quality is too overwhelming. What do you think – is Leeds poised for an upset, or will Liverpool's experience shine through?

Shifting gears to team news, Liverpool welcome back midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai from suspension, likely replacing Federico Chiesa who had a brief stint against Wolves. However, defenders Joe Gomez (muscle issue) and Wataru Endo (ankle) are still sidelined, along with strikers Alexander Isak (ankle) and Giovanni Leoni (ACL), plus Salah. Cody Gakpo aims to continue his tradition of scoring in Liverpool's first game of the year – a feat not achieved by a Reds player since Ian Rush in the 1980s – though he might start on the bench once more.

For Leeds, key defender Joe Rodon is out with an ankle injury from the Sunderland match, joining Sean Longstaff (calf) and Daniel James (thigh) on the injury list. This could prompt a switch to a four-man defense, with Ao Tanaka possibly stepping in; remember, Tanaka was the hero who equalized in that December draw against Liverpool. But on a positive note, Calvert-Lewin's scoring run shows no signs of stopping, making him a vital asset.

Possible starting lineups: For Liverpool, Alisson in goal; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez in defense; Gravenberch and Jones in midfield; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Wirtz up front; Ekitike leading the attack.

For Leeds, Perri between the posts; Bogle, Struijk, Bijol, Gudmundsson at the back; Stach, Ampadu, Tanaka in midfield; Aaronson, Calvert-Lewin, Okafor in attack.

Our prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Leeds United. Both sides have scored in Leeds' last eight matches, and Liverpool's vulnerability to set pieces – even after parting with their set-piece specialist – suggests goals are coming. Rodon's absence might disrupt Leeds' 3-5-2 setup, paving the way for Liverpool to celebrate victory on New Year's Day.

For in-depth stats, odds, and more predictive analysis on this game, check out the link here (https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/premier-league/liverpool-vs-leeds-unitedgame235964.html).

So, what's your take? Do you believe Leeds can pull off a shock result at Anfield, or is Liverpool's home dominance and current form unbeatable? Could this match expose weaknesses in the champions, or will it reinforce their status? Share your thoughts, predictions, and any controversial opinions in the comments – let's debate!