Match Preview: Liverpool Host Leeds United in New Year's Day Clash
Liverpool are looking to make it five wins on the bounce across all competitions...
As Liverpool welcome Leeds United to Anfield on New Year’s Day, the Premier League calendar serves up a clash of two clubs with contrasting ambitions, but equally compelling narratives. For Liverpool, this is a vital fixture as they look to build on a seven-game unbeaten run and keep pace in the race for Champions League football. For Leeds, it’s a test of their recent revival and an unexpected goalscoring hero.
What makes this meeting particularly intriguing is how the teams match up. While Liverpool’s quality should shine through at home, Leeds have shown a defiance in recent weeks that suggests this won’t be a straightforward affair. In fact, Leeds’ tenacity and organisation under Daniel Farke, who I’ve never really rated to be brutally honest, could make them one of the most awkward opponents Liverpool will face this winter.
Daniel Farke’s Tactical Gamble Is Paying Off
Earlier this season, few would have predicted that Farke would still be in charge of Leeds by January. A sluggish start raised serious doubts about his ability to manage in the Premier League. But Farke has transformed Leeds into a cohesive and combative side that is no longer easy to beat.
Leeds’ run of five unbeaten matches includes a draw against Liverpool, a late scare for Manchester City, and victories over Crystal Palace and Chelsea. These aren’t flukes. They are the result of physical resilience and a noticeable change in mentality. Leeds have started to believe in themselves again.
Farke has constructed a squad built on height, power and relentless energy. Most of his summer signings tower above six feet and they bring a level of physicality that has unsettled bigger teams. The midfield, anchored by Ethan Ampadu and bolstered by Tanaka and Stack, is full of running, pressing and intelligent ball use. They are hard-working, combative and efficient.
There isn’t much glamour in the way Leeds play, but there is plenty of purpose.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s Redemption Arc
No player embodies Leeds’ upturn more than Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Written off by many after a few injury-plagued seasons at Everton, he’s now found new life in West Yorkshire. With eight goals in 16 league games, Calvert-Lewin is finally delivering on the promise that once made him an option in the England squad.
What’s more, his recent form isn’t just about scoring. It’s about influence. He occupies centre-backs, wins fouls, holds up the ball, and leads the line like a seasoned Premier League forward. For Liverpool, he’s a clear and present danger.
Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate will need to be at their best. Liverpool’s ongoing vulnerability from set pieces adds another layer of concern. Calvert-Lewin is tailor-made to exploit this weakness. He’s strong in the air, sharp in the box and currently brimming with confidence.
Liverpool’s Depth Is Being Tested
Liverpool’s recent run has seen them grind out results without necessarily impressing. Wins over Tottenham, Brighton and Wolves were welcome, but not dominant. The side has been stretched by injuries and the absence of key players like Mohamed Salah to AFCON and Giovanni Leoni, Joe Gomez, Wataru Endo and Alexander Isak all sidelined through injury.
The lack of options in attack and midfield is starting to show. Ekitike still struggles to complete 90 minutes despite his impressive performances. Cody Gakpo, only recently back from injury, is not yet sharp. Federico Chiesa has been handed more responsibility, but hasn’t really took his opportunity in the starting eleven.
Midfield is another headache. Alexis Mac Allister has played through fatigue, but Dominik Szoboszlai’s return from suspension is a huge boost. There’s a sense that Liverpool are one or two absences away from looking extremely ordinary.
Liverpool Predicted XI: Alisson, Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk (C), Kerkez, Gravenberch, Jones, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Ekitike.
Why This Game Feels Bigger Than It Should
Liverpool are favourites, and rightly so. But the feeling around this fixture is different. No one expects Leeds to win at Anfield, which gives them the freedom to express themselves. It’s a classic scenario: a strong side with something to lose against a fearless underdog with everything to gain.
More than anything, this is a test of mentality. Can Liverpool impose themselves early and kill the game? Or will they allow Leeds to grow into it, as they’ve done in recent weeks? Leeds have made a habit of coming from behind and turning adversity into energy. They did it against City and they’ve already done it against Liverpool already this season. They’ll believe they can do it again.
For Liverpool, this is about control. Controlling the tempo, controlling the space and, crucially, controlling their own performance. If they start sloppily or concede first, this could become one of those cold, frustrating nights under the Anfield lights.
Slot will need to rely on his strongest and fittest available players. Szoboszlai in the middle, pushing high and pressing aggressively, could be key. Jeremie Frimpong might be deployed further forward to stretch Leeds’ wide defenders, while Milos Kerkez, enjoying his best form since signing, could be pivotal in both defence and attack down the left.
Final Thoughts
This fixture has all the hallmarks of a Premier League classic. Two sides in form, both with something to prove, both capable of getting a result.
But Liverpool, despite their flaws and fitness concerns, still have enough quality to win. This won’t be straightforward, but it’s a game the Reds should edge if they play with focus and intensity.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Leeds United