Arne Slot has a decision to make as Dominik Szoboszlai returns from suspension, meaning one Liverpool player must drop out against Leeds.
While Leeds are among the favourites to be relegated, they are now six points clear of the relegation zone with a game in hand thanks to their current five-match unbeaten streak.
As the Reds know all too well, after they twice surrendered their lead at Elland Road in early December, Daniel Farke’s side won’t make it easy for the hosts on New Year’s Day.
Here’s how Liverpool could line up.
Team news
LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, December 20, 2025: Liverpool's substitute Jeremie Frimpong during the pre-match warm-up before the FA Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Liverpool FC at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Here are Liverpool’s absentees:
Liverpool’s XI vs. Leeds
MILAN, ITALY - Tuesday, December 9, 2025: Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike (L) and Dominik Szoboszlai line-up before the UEFA Champions League game between Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC at the Stadio San Siro. Liverpool won 1-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
As mentioned, the return of Szoboszlai from suspension should force Slot to bring him back in, with Federico Chiesa the likely man to drop out of the starting XI.
This would see the Reds return to their diamond formation, with Ryan Gravenberch sitting and Alexis Mac Allister the most advanced.
Florian Wirtz would be able to continue building his relationship with Hugo Ekitike, the pair having combined brilliantly for Liverpool’s second against Wolves on Saturday.
Slot’s probable decisions:
This is how Liverpool would line up:
Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister; Wirtz, Ekitike
Alternatively, the return of Cody Gakpo could see Liverpool return to a formation closer to 4-3-3, with Szoboszlai playing on the right wing instead of Mo Salah who is at AFCON.
This is made unlikely, though, by the fact it would probably mean Wirtz dropping to the bench just as he is beginning to show some good form.
The full-backs are the other area of contention, as Andy Robertson and Conor Bradley will feel deserving of a place in the team ahead of Milos Kerkez and Frimpong, respectively.
Gakpo comes back into the side after coming off the bench vs. Wolves, following three games out injured
Gravenberch, Jones and Mac Allister form a midfield three similar to what we saw at times last season
Alisson aims to keep his 100th Premier League clean sheet
Here’s how this alternate team would look:
Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones, Mac Allister; Szoboszlai, Ekitike, Gakpo
Cast your minds back to Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Leeds on December 6, and you’ll remember the Reds were actually fairly comfortable until Ibrahima Konate sent the team’s heads sideways.
Ekitike scored twice in quick succession after the break and all was well. They were dealing accordingly with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and the match was shaping up to be a professional away performance.
Like we have seen on so many occasions, though, Liverpool lost control and conceded three goals inside the last 20 minutes.
If the Reds can simply avoid any clangers, they should have enough to beat Leeds and go four points behind third-place Aston Villa.