​Liverpool rings in 2026 at Anfield against a resilient Leeds United, looking to cement their status in the top four after a strong finish to the previous year. Following a period of transition under Arne Slot, the Reds have found their groove, entering this fixture on a four-match winning streak across all competitions.​

Match Preview​

After a high-scoring 3-3 draw in their last meeting at Elland Road in December, both sides arrive at Anfield with point-scoring momentum.

Liverpool currently occupies 4th place in the Premier League table with 32 points, while Leeds sits in 16th with 20 points, seven points clear of the relegation zone.​

The Reds have been formidable at home, winning five of their last six league games played on New Year’s Day. Leeds, managed by Daniel Farke, has struggled on the road, collecting only one away win all season.

However, the “Whites” are currently unbeaten in their last five league matches, including a 4-1 thrashing of Crystal Palace.​

Liverpool’s recent surge has seen them overcome Tottenham and Wolves, though they remain 10 points adrift of league leaders Arsenal.

For Leeds, the focus remains on distance from the bottom three, a task made difficult by a defensive record that has seen them concede 32 goals in 18 matches.

​Head-to-Head​

Recent Meeting: Leeds 3-3 Liverpool (Dec 06, 2025).​

Historical Dominance: Liverpool has won 10 of the last 15 meetings, with Leeds claiming only one victory in that span.​

Anfield Record: Liverpool is unbeaten in nine consecutive first matches of a new year when playing at home.​

Liverpool Premier League FormW W W D D​

Leeds Premier League FormD W D D W​

Team News​

Liverpool’s squad depth will be tested as they navigate significant absences.​Mohamed Salah is unavailable due to international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.​

Alexander Isak is out long-term with a lower leg fracture, while Giovanni Leoni remains sidelined with an ACL injury.​

Dominik Szoboszlai is set to return to the starting XI after serving a one-match suspension. ​Joe Gomez and Wataru Endo are considered major doubts with muscle and ankle injuries, respectively.

​Leeds United will be forced into a tactical rethink due to the absence of key defender Joe Rodon. Midfielder Sean Longstaff remains a doubt with a calf issue.

​Liverpool Predicted Line-up (4-2-3-1):Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Ekitike.

​Leeds Predicted Line-up (3-5-2):Perri; Bogle, Bijol, Struijk; Tanaka, Aaronson, Ampadu, Stach, Gudmundsson; Calvert-Lewin, Okafor.​

Prediction​

Liverpool 3 – 1 Leeds United

​While Leeds’ open style of play and the scoring streak of Dominic Calvert-Lewin—who has netted in six successive games—suggest they will find the net, Liverpool’s superior home form should prevail. The Reds have reignited their top-four charge and, with Szoboszlai returning to provide creativity, they are expected to start 2026 with three points.