Preview: Liverpool Facing Incredibly Tricky Leeds United Test

Arne Slot is in desperate need of three points...

Arne Slot cannot afford anything less than three points when Liverpool visit Leeds United this weekend. His future at the club is now at breaking point and anything other than a win at Elland Road would see his role become untenable.

Sitting ninth in the Premier League, with just four wins from the last 14 in all competitions, the credit of winning the league last season has evaporated faster than anyone expected. With a growing portion of the Liverpool fanbase already losing faith, this trip might be more decisive than anyone at the club wants to admit.

Leeds United Upturn Comes at the Worst Possible Time

Leeds United, despite their own stumbles, have turned a corner in recent games. They gave Manchester City a scare at the Etihad, only losing to a late goal, then followed that up by dismantling Chelsea 3-1 in midweek. More than the results, it’s the manner that alarms. They’re pressing high, adapting tactically, and showing the sort of hunger and fight that is conspicuously absent from Liverpool’s recent outings.

Their shift to a back three has given them added defensive security, while players like Jayden Bogle are thriving in roles that stretch and challenge opponents. Leeds may not have a star name, but as a collective, they’re cohesive, energetic and brave. This is exactly the type of side Liverpool have struggled against all season.

Leeds’ crowd will be right behind them too. Elland Road under the lights, with momentum, is a hostile place to go. They’ll be baying for blood, and if Liverpool show any weakness early on, they’ll get it.

Liverpool’s Fragile Confidence

It’s hard to think of a more unstable moment to face such a confident, high-intensity opponent. Liverpool’s defence looks vulnerable, and the team as a whole seems to wilt once the first goal goes in — a recurring theme across the campaign. The aura of being champions is beyond gone. Teams no longer fear Liverpool, instead they fancy their chances.

There are also serious questions over selection. Conor Bradley is back in contention, but rushing him in after a hamstring issue could be a dangerous gamble. Joe Gomez might be forced to go again, despite playing twice already in the past six days. His injury history should make that decision a non-starter, but Liverpool’s depth, especially with Jeremie Frimpong still sidelined, is being exposed.

Then there’s Mohamed Salah. Benched for the last two, another dropping could cause immense tension. With Inter Milan looming on Tuesday, Slot must decide whether this is the game to restore Salah to the starting line-up. If he doesn’t, and the result goes against Liverpool, the fallout will be vicious.

Liverpool Predicted XI: Alisson, Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk (C), Kerkez, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Salah, Isak

Slot’s ‘Tactics’ and Mentality

Slot’s extremely subtle tweaks to shape, flirting with a 4-4-2 and occasionally adapting the press, have brought mixed results. Sunderland came to Anfield in midweek and took a point they deserved. They were far too comfortable, whilst Liverpool once again struggled to break down a stubborn defensive setup.

What’s more damning is the inconsistency in the midfield recently. Ryan Gravenberch flatters to deceive, Alexis Mac Allister lacks bite when it matters, and there’s too much reliance on Curtis Jones, when given the opportunity, to provide balance. There’s creativity out wide, particularly if Florian Wirtz plays, but there’s no cohesion through the middle.

And then there’s Isak. He scored against West Ham and looked bright, but was anonymous against Sunderland. Like so many in this squad, he can look electric in flashes and anonymous for stretches. If he starts, Liverpool need a performance that stretches beyond a half-chance.

Slot Needs a Win

Let’s be blunt. If Liverpool fail to win this one, Arne Slot’s position becomes immediately tenuous. Not because the board will sack him, but because the supporters’ trust will have evaporated completely, if it hasn’t already.

Another timid performance, another misfiring front line, another game chasing shadows in midfield — and the fanbase will decide that Slot isn’t the man to take this team forward.

This used to be the kind of fixture where you expected control, confidence, and quality to shine through, but right now that feels like far from reality.

Score prediction: Leeds United 2-1 Liverpool