Leeds United are immediately back in action as the Whites return to action on New Year’s Day against Liverpool, and both Paul Merson and Chris Sutton have given their predictions.
Just a few weeks ago, Leeds played host to Liverpool. It was a Leeds side struggling for form, but had just beaten Chelsea while Arne Slot’s side were frail and conceding goals, with Ibrahima Konate criticised.
Can Leeds maintain their unbeaten run at Anfield? 🤔
Liverpool have lost four of their 14 home games this season…
Arne Slot and Daniel Farke
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The two teams played out an enthralling 3-3 draw as Ao Tanaka slammed home a last-minute equaliser. It was the second in a run of five games in which Leeds have remained unbeaten, picking up nine points.
But Liverpool have improved, too. Since the draw with Leeds, Liverpool have gone on a winning run of four consecutive victories in all competitions, beating Inter, Brighton, Spurs and rock-bottom Wolves.
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Paul Merson delivers Leeds verdict in Liverpool prediction
A trip to Anfield, possibly without defender Joe Rodon, is a tall order for Leeds. Especially, because Farke has a decision to make on his 3-5-2 system, and if he starts with the same formation without Rodon.
Predicting the clash on his Sports Keeda column, former Arsenal and England star Paul Merson said he thinks Leeds will be difficult to beat but at Anfield, Liverpool will get the job done and secure a 3-1 win.
“Leeds have turned a corner now and Liverpool are finding some form. Both teams will feel confident ahead of this game. The last time they met, Leeds produced an incredible performance in a 3-3 draw.
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“Including that draw, Leeds have two wins and three draws in their last five games. Even though they drew the last game against Sunderland, I think they deserved to win that one. Leeds are on a roll now.
He continued: “If Liverpool win this and beat Fulham away, and Arsenal drop points against Aston Villa and lose to them at Emirates in a couple of weeks, they would have gained five points on the Gunners.”
Is Brenden Aaronson getting the credit he deserves? 😤
As of December 29, after the 1-1 draw v Sunderland.
Brenden Aaronson stats.
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Chris Sutton agrees with Paul Merson on Liverpool clash
Leeds face an uphill task with Rodon missing and it could mean Farke is forced to change formation, and start a four-man defence at Anfield when he might have preferred to be more defensive on Merseyside.
Ethan Ampadu could drop in, Sebastiaan Bornauw could win his first league start, but until Farke shares Rodon’s diagnosis, it is difficult to tell. Liverpool are expected to win and Sutton has backed a 2-1 victory.
“I correctly backed Leeds to get a point when these sides met Elland Road a few weeks back, but this is at Anfield and, besides that, Liverpool look a lot more confident now,” Sutton told his BBC Sport column.
This is a different Leeds, too, of course. They have got real belief at the moment and Dominic Calvert-Lewin is going to be hard to stop. But Florian Wirtz seems to be coming to the fore for Liverpool now.”
Sean Longstaff and Dan James are also expected to be missing for Leeds’ trip to Liverpool, but Lukas Nmecha did make a comeback against Sunderland and could be in line to start against the Reds.
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