Sunderland 1 Leeds United 1: Lee Sobot's video verdict
Two former Premier League stars have delivered their predictions for Leeds United's visit to Liverpool
Just under a month has passed since the two sides battled their way to a share of the points in an eventful affair at Elland Road as goals from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Ao Tanaka and Anton Stach helped Daniel Farke’s side more than play their part in a 3-3 draw. That has formed part of an upturn in form from the Whites that has created a seven-point advantage on the clubs currently sitting in the relegation zone.
Sunday’s hard-earned and deserved draw at former Championship promotion rivals Sunderland means the Whites travel to Merseyside looking to make it six games unbeaten in all competitions - and despite the obvious threat posed by Liverpool, there is an obvious confidence surrounding the Leeds squad ahead of the game.
But how could they fare at Anfield and could they cause what would be a major upset against a Liverpool side that are unbeaten in their last six games and appear to have moved on from a difficult start to their title defence? Former Premier League stars Chris Sutton and Paul Merson have both given their predictions ahead of the New Years Day clash.
What has Paul Merson said about Liverpool v Leeds United?
Pundit Paul Merson has been talking Rangersplaceholder image
Pundit Paul Merson has been talking Rangers | Sky
Writing for SportKeeda, Merson said: “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 was a few weeks ago and Leeds produced an incredible performance in a 3-3 draw at Elland Road. 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.
This is a difficult game for Liverpool but they will be buoyed by Florian Wirtz finally scoring his first goal for the club. You don't pay that amount of money for someone who can't play football! He needs space, and if he gets it, he can destroy teams. The cream always rises to the top and we're seeing it with Wirtz in recent weeks! I must also mention Hugo Ekitike, who has been outstanding since his first game at Liverpool. That assist for Wirtz in the last game is just world-class! Liverpool will be hoping Ekitike doesn't get injured because if he's out, they have no one to do what he does!
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. But Liverpool must not think too ahead, they need to take care of the next two games first Merson’s prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Leeds United
What has Chris Sutton said about Liverpool v Leeds United?
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Writing in his BBC Sport predictions column, the former Blackburn Rovers striker said: “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. This is a different Leeds, too, of course. They have got real belief at the moment and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has scored seven goals in six games, is going to be hard to stop.
But Florian Wirtz seems to be coming to the fore for Liverpool now and they are building their confidence back up. Arne Slot's side are back up to fourth place and although when you watch them you can see they have still got weaknesses in their team, I'm expecting them to make it four league wins in a row here. It is not actually impossible that they could be back in the title race soon, either. After this game, Slot's side travel to Fulham and Arsenal next week so let's see where they are then Sutton's prediction: 2-1”
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