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All the key information as Leeds United kick off 2026 with a massive Premier League trip to Anfield.
A brilliant 2025 for Leeds United is now officially over and they kick off 2026 with yet another massive Premier League game. Daniel Farke’s side face reigning champions Liverpool at Anfield hoping to build on a five-game unbeaten run that has seen them open up a not insignificant gap on their relegation rivals.
Leeds drew 1-1 at Sunderland last time out, their third comeback draw of that five-game unbeaten streak that also included a 3-3 stalemate against their upcoming hosts. And as all eyes turn to Anfield and Liverpool, the YEP has all the key information you need to know below.
When is Liverpool vs Leeds United?
Leeds head to Anfield on Thursday, January 1, in what is their first game of 2026. That fixture is one of four in the Premier League to take place on New Year’s Day, with the other six matches taking place last year, albeit just two days ago on December 30.
Also on New Year’s Day, Crystal Palace host Fulham in a London derby while Sunderland welcome Manchester City to the Stadium of Light and Tottenham Hotspur travel to Brentford. The four games are split, with two early-evening kick-offs and two a little later on.
What time does Liverpool vs Leeds United kick off?
The Anfield clash has been assigned a slightly earlier slot, kicking off at 5.30pm alongside Crystal Palace v Fulham. While that might seem a little strange on a Thursday, New Year’s Day is of course a bank holiday with a lot of the country not at work.
Is Liverpool vs Leeds United on TV?
It is indeed. Sky Sports have rights to broadcast every Premier League game this week including Liverpool v Leeds.
The game will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Ultra HDR. Build-up starts at 5pm.
Can I stream Liverpool vs Leeds United ?
Sky Sports will have the game available to stream live on their website and app, with all channels available and running the same programming as on TV. Build-up will still begin at 5pm on the app.
And for those unable to watch the game live, the YEP will of course have all your build-up plus live coverage from Anfield. After the full-time whistle, be sure to stick around for player ratings and reaction from Farke.
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Highlights will be available on the Sky Sports website and social media accounts shortly after full-time at Anfield. For more in-depth highlights coverage, Match of the Day is scheduled for 10:40pm on BBC Two later on Thursday night.
Liverpool vs Leeds United team news
Leeds will be without three first-team players for Thursday’s trip to Anfield, most notably Joe Rodon who picked up an ankle injury at Sunderland and is expected to be out for a few weeks. Sean Longstaff (calf) and Daniel James (hamstring tendon) remain sidelined while Lukas Nmecha will be able to feature, having missed the reverse fixture with a hamstring injury.
Hosts Liverpool will be without Mohamed Salah, who is representing Egypt at AFCON, and a number of injury-related absences. Record signing Alexander Isak recently underwent surgery on a broken ankle injury while Joe Gomez (muscle), Wataru Endo (ankle), Giovanni Leoni (knee) are out. Dominik Szoboszlai is back available after serving a one-game ban against Wolves.
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