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Leeds United vs Liverpool: Match preview, head-to-head, team news, key players

Leeds United host Liverpool in the Premier League at Elland Road on Saturday evening.

Leeds produced an impressive display last time out, beating Chelsea 3-1 at home, which ended a four-game losing streak.

Liverpool came from behind to rescue a point in their 1-1 draw with Sunderland at Anfield on Wednesday.

Match preview

Having scored five times against Manchester City and Chelsea, Leeds will fancy their chances against Liverpool’s struggling defence.

The Reds have struggled particularly from set-pieces and counter-attacks, ranking second for goals conceded (nine) from set-pieces and are joint-first for most goals (three) conceded from counter-attacks.

Leeds, who have scored seven goals from set pieces, will see this as a real opportunity to exploit.

However, they also need to tighten their defence to record a second straight home win.

For Liverpool, manager Arne Slot will also be aware of the hosts’ defensive frailties, particularly from open play.

Liverpool struggled to break down Sunderland’s low block, but Leeds are unlikely to adopt the same approach, which could allow the Reds’ attack to thrive.

Slot is increasingly coming under pressure, making this encounter crucial for him to prove that he can still turn the tide around.

Liverpool are now unlikely to successfully defend their league title, but must beat teams such as Leeds to finish in the top four.

Head-to-head

Across the last 10 league meetings, Leeds have won once, drawn twice and lost six times to Liverpool. The Whites have not won a home game against the Reds since 2000.

Team news

Leeds United will be without Daniel James, who is nursing a hamstring injury and Sean Longstaff (calf injury).

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Liverpool are expected to welcome back Conor Bradley, but Jeremie Frimpong and Giovanni Leoni remain sidelined.

Key players

Leeds United

Lukas Nmecha: Leeds’ top scorer in the league with four goals.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin: Has netted in each of the last two matches.

Liverpool

Florian Wirtz: The German is finally finding his feet, being Liverpool’s best performer recently.

Dominik Szoboszlai: Although he was poor against Sunderland, he is expected to play a key role in this game.

Stats from 11v11.com , sofascore.com & whoscored.com

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