Liverpool begin the new year at Anfield with Leeds United arriving as awkward opponents and in buoyant mood. The reverse fixture at Elland Road earlier this month finished in a high-scoring draw, and this return meeting has the feel of a game where tempo, set pieces and squad depth could decide the outcome as the festive schedule bites.
Liverpool’s 2–1 home league win over Wolves on 27 December, a result that kept them moving in the right direction and extended a run of wins through late December. Leeds last played on 28 December, drawing 1–1 away at Sunderland, with their equaliser again coming from Dominic Calvert-Lewin as he continued a remarkable scoring run.
Liverpool’s league form has improved markedly in recent weeks, with victories stacking up after a patch where they were dropping points too easily. The underlying concern, though, has been how often matches become tense because of set-piece moments at either end — something they’ve openly been trying to address.
Leeds’ are unbeaten in five league matches and have picked up points in a variety of ways: a big home win over Crystal Palace, a draw at Brentford, and the recent share of the spoils at Sunderland. They’ve still had issues away from home earlier in the season, but their confidence level is far higher than it was a month ago.
Liverpool head into the game with some significant absences and a few ongoing concerns: Mohamed Salah is away on Africa Cup of Nations duty, Alexander Isak is sidelined after surgery on an ankle injury that included a fibula fracture and is expected to be out for a considerable period. Wataru Endo, Cody Gakpo and Joe Gomez have all been dealing with injuries and have missed time recently, so availability has to be treated as a late call depending on fitness checks.
Leeds have also had to manage injuries through December: Daniel James and Sean Longstaff have been out longer-term. Lukas Nmecha has been working back from a hamstring issue and has been considered a possible squad option as fitness improves, but any minutes would depend on how he’s come through training. They have not been heavily disrupted by AFCON compared with some clubs, which has helped Daniel Farke keep continuity in his group.
Liverpool have several key men hitting stride. Florian Wirtz has begun to turn his influence into goals, scoring in the win over Wolves, while Ryan Gravenberch has been central to their midfield control and momentum. At the back, Liverpool still lean on Virgil van Dijk for organisation, especially when defending second phases from corners and free-kicks.
For Leeds, the headline is impossible to ignore: Dominic Calvert-Lewin has scored in six consecutive Premier League games, providing Leeds with a focal point and a constant threat in the box. Brenden Aaronson has been an important link in their attacking build-up, and Leeds look more dangerous when their midfield runners support the striker quickly rather than leaving him isolated.
Liverpool will aim to impose territory early, press Leeds’ build-up and keep the game in Leeds’ half for long spells. Their best route is usually quick movement in the inside channels and creating repeated deliveries into the box — but they’ll want to avoid a match that turns into set-piece chaos.
Leeds are likely to accept periods without the ball and try to be sharp when possession turns over. If they can keep Liverpool’s full-backs honest, win second balls and feed Calvert-Lewin early, they’ll believe they can make this uncomfortable. The longer they stay level, the more this becomes a test of Liverpool’s patience and concentration.
It’s a fixture with a clear dynamic: Liverpool with the home advantage and expectation, Leeds arriving with confidence and a striker in red-hot form. If the details are right — particularly at set pieces and in defensive transitions — this has the ingredients of another tight, high-energy meeting.
