Champions Liverpool host Leeds United at Anfield for a New Year’s Day match.
This game follows their recent 3-3 draw at Elland Road. Leeds enters 2026 on a four-match winning streak and has moved up to fourth place after a 2-1 win against Wolves. Liverpool, while finding their rhythm, is five points clear of teams below them in the hunt for European spots.
Leeds also arrives in good shape, unbeaten in their last five matches, and has increased their gap from the relegation zone to seven points. Coach Daniel Farke’s team has shown they can compete with top teams, managing draws against Liverpool and Sunderland in December. Both teams are missing key players, making this opener a test of their squad depth.
Liverpool vs Leeds United – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Thursday, 1 January 2026
- Kick-off: 17:30 GMT
- Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
- Referee: Christopher Kavanagh
- VAR: Darren England
- Last Meeting: Leeds 3-3 Liverpool, 6 December 2025, Premier League
Team News
Liverpool
Liverpool welcomes back midfielder Dominic Szoboszlai after a one-match suspension. However, they will miss key player Mohamed Salah, who is away for the Africa Cup of Nations. Other long-term injuries include Alexander Isak (fractured leg), Giovanni Leoni (ACL), Wataru Endo (ankle), and Joe Gomez (hamstring). Ibrahima Konate is one yellow card away from a suspension.
Leeds United
Leeds faces a setback with defender Joe Rodon out for three weeks due to an ankle injury. Coach Farke will have to adjust his defense, which is also missing Sean Longstaff and Daniel James. On the upside, Lukas Nmecha has returned and featured as a substitute last weekend. Farke may consider using Sebastiaan Bornauw or Sam Byram to fill the defensive gap.
Form
Liverpool
Liverpool has been impressive at home, losing only one of their last 17 Premier League matches against Leeds. Historically, they perform well on New Year’s Day, winning five of their last six matches on this date and remaining unbeaten in their last nine home games at the start of a calendar year. Florian Wirtz has been a key player, contributing a goal or assist in his last two games.
Leeds United
Leeds has shown strong early-year form, going unbeaten in their last 10 league games played in January (W6 D4). Dominic Calvert-Lewin is in top form, scoring seven goals in six matches. A goal today will make him the first Leeds player since 1960 to score in six consecutive top-flight games. They have also been effective from set-pieces, matching their total of 12 goals from dead-ball situations this season.
Predicted Lineups
Liverpool predicted XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Ekitike
Leeds United predicted XI: Perri; Bogle, Struijk, Bijol, Gudmundsson; Stach, Ampadu, Tanaka; Aaronson, Calvert-Lewin, Okafor
How to watch Liverpool vs Leeds United?
The match will be live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the UK, with coverage starting at 17:00 GMT.
Add Footem.in As your Preferred Source on Google
Follow the latest on Footem WhatsApp Channel
