Following the success of Leeds United’s brilliant win over Chelsea, Elland Road plays host to a second game within four days on Saturday as Liverpool come to town.
The feel-good factor is back at Elland Road after a stunning 3-1 win over Chelsea, as Farke and Leeds built on their super second half against Man City with a comfortable win over the Club World Cup champions.
Prediction time for Leeds United v Liverpool 🔮
Daniel Farke after Leeds United v Chelsea - Premier League
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The 3-5-2 system worked to perfection as Leeds utilised their height advantage over Chelsea, with Jaka Bijol opening the scoring before Ao Tanaka and Dominic Calvert-Lewin rounded off a superb evening.
The pressure remains on Farke, but the German’s tactical change has worked, and it has alleviated some tension around his future as Paraag Marathe looked on. Now, Leeds need to take that into Saturday.
Daniel Farke managing Leeds United
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Paul Merson predicts Leeds United’s clash against Liverpool
Boasting Bijol, Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk in defence, a similar midfield to what would normally be used and two strikers to lead the line, Leeds have struck gold with the new formation, Farke deserves praise.
Now, Leeds face a struggling Liverpool side who are failing to make good on their summer investment, having lost nine of their last 14 games. Paul Merson has predicted a 1-1 draw on Sports Keeda’s website.
“Leeds United have done well in recent games. That was a massive result against Chelsea and even against Manchester City last weekend, I thought they were very unlucky to not walk away with a point.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot waves to the fans after a win over Man City.
Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
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“If Leeds can get Elland Road going like they did in the win over Chelsea, they have a chance. I wouldn’t be surprised if Liverpool won this game 2-0 or even 3-0. But it’s a free swing for Leeds at Elland Road.
“That makes them dangerous,” Merson continued, ahead of Saturday evening’s battle under the Elland Road lights. “I’m going for a draw, but if I was forced to pick a team, I’d choose Liverpool.”
Daniel Farke faces a manager that could have joined Leeds
Back in February 2023, Leeds decided to sack Jesse Marsch after a defeat at Nottingham Forest and the club were forced to scour the market for replacements, finding many weren’t keen with relegation likely.
One of those that was linked with the Elland Road job was then-Feyenoord manager Arne Slot. Reports at the time said Slot was actually interested in the move, but Slot remained to go and win the Dutch title.
What Arne Slot said when Leeds tried to hire him in 2023 🤔
“It is true that I will stay with Feyenoord. That is clear, fans do not have to be afraid. The club has been clear. It was a compliment that a club like Leeds was interested.”
Slot on Leeds approach in 2023.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot waves to the fans after a win over Man City.
Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
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Of course, Slot has since joined Liverpool and won the Premier League with the Reds as a replacement for Jurgen Klopp. Now, Slot faces the side he could have joined in 2023 for the first time, with pressure high.
Slot is already expecting a challenge against Leeds, having failed to beat Sunderland on Wednesday night and lost nine of his last 14 Liverpool games in charge. Leeds have a real chance to take advantage.
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