Liverpool vs Leeds Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 1 January

Liverpool will host Leeds United at Anfield on Thursday, 1 January, in what promises to be an intriguing Premier League encounter. This match preview and betting tips will delve into the dynamics between these two English sides. Liverpool, renowned for their formidable home record, will look to capitalise on their Anfield advantage. Meanwhile, Leeds United, with their energetic style, will aim to disrupt the hosts’ rhythm and secure valuable points.

The significance of this Premier League clash cannot be understated, as both teams are eager to start the new year on a high note. Liverpool’s strong squad depth and tactical prowess will be tested against Leeds United’s relentless pressing and counter-attacking capabilities. Anfield, a venue synonymous with intense footballing battles, sets the stage for what could be a captivating match. Bettors will be keenly watching how these factors play out in this early January fixture.

Liverpool vs Leeds United Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Liverpool to win	1.53

Given Liverpool’s home dominance and recent form, our recommended betting tip is for Liverpool to win. The Reds have shown consistency and resilience, especially at Anfield, where they control the game’s tempo and exploit their attacking width effectively.

• Liverpool have scored first in 80% of their last five matches against Leeds United, showcasing their ability to take early control.
• Liverpool are unbeaten in six consecutive matches in this competition, indicating strong form and confidence.
• Leeds United concede an average of 1.7 goals per game this season, making it likely that Liverpool will find the net multiple times.

Betting Odds

Liverpool are the clear favourites in this Premier League clash, with the betting odds reflecting their strong home form at Anfield. Leeds United, however, offer tempting odds for those looking to back an underdog, especially given their knack for surprising results.

Betting Tip	Odds
Liverpool to win	1.53
Draw	4.38
Leeds to win	5.83

For those considering alternative markets, the over 2.5 goals bet could be a smart choice, considering both teams’ attacking tendencies. Additionally, a bet on both teams to score might also appeal, given Leeds United’s ability to find the net even against stronger opponents.

Liverpool Analysis & Past Performance

Liverpool have been on a remarkable run, securing four wins and one draw in their last five matches across all competitions. This impressive stretch includes a 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton and a dominant 2-0 win against Brighton, highlighting their resilience and attacking prowess.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	League	Date
Liverpool	Wolverhampton	2 – 1 (Win)	Premier League	27 Dec 2025
Tottenham	Liverpool	1 – 2 (Win)	Premier League	20 Dec 2025
Liverpool	Brighton	2 – 0 (Win)	Premier League	13 Dec 2025
Inter	Liverpool	0 – 1 (Win)	Champions League	9 Dec 2025
Leeds United	Liverpool	3 – 3 (Draw)	Premier League	6 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

• WWWWD

In their last five matches, Liverpool have averaged 2.00 goals per game, with a total of 10 goals scored and 5 conceded, showcasing a solid offensive output. Their defence has been relatively sturdy, achieving 2 clean sheets and maintaining a goals conceded average of 1.00 per match. At Anfield, Liverpool’s form has been slightly inconsistent, winning 2, drawing 1, and losing 2 of their last five home games, reflecting a win ratio of 0.40 at home.

Liverpool Suspensions & Injuries

Liverpool will be without the services of Mohamed Salah due to international duty. This absence could significantly impact Liverpool’s attacking prowess, given Salah’s key role in their offensive setup. The team might rely on Hugo Ekitike to fill the void, but the pressure will be on the midfield, particularly Florian Wirtz and Alexis Mac Allister, to provide the creative spark in Salah’s absence.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Mohamed Salah	International duty	1	Unknown

Injuries are another concern for Liverpool, with several players sidelined. Joel Matip’s absence for the season due to a cruciate ligament injury leaves a gap in defensive depth. Wataru Endo and Joe Gomez are expected back in early January 2026, which might ease some pressure, but their current unavailability limits rotation options. Stefan Bajcetic’s return in early January could bolster the midfield, but until then, Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch will need to step up.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Joel Matip	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for season
Stefan Bajcetic	Hamstring Injury	Early January 2026
Giovanni Leoni	Cruciate ligament injury	Early August 2026
Jayden Danns	Hamstring Injury	Unknown
Wataru Endo	Knock injury	Early January 2026
Joe Gomez	Hamstring Injury	Early January 2026
Alexander Isak	Broken leg	Late April 2026

The tactical impact of these absences may see Liverpool adopt a more cautious approach, potentially altering their formation to accommodate the available personnel. The betting markets might see a shift, with Liverpool’s odds reflecting these key absences, especially in attack and defence.

Liverpool Key Players

Liverpool’s key player and top scorer, Hugo Ekitike, has been instrumental with eight goals this season, demonstrating his prowess as a forward. Ekitike’s ability to find space and his clinical finishing make him a constant threat to opposing defences. His movement off the ball will be crucial in creating opportunities against Leeds United.

In the midfield, Alexis Mac Allister and Florian Wirtz are expected to dictate the pace of the game. Mac Allister’s vision and passing range, combined with Wirtz’s creativity and attacking flair, provide Liverpool with a dynamic midfield presence. This duo will be pivotal in transitioning from defence to attack and breaking down Leeds United’s defensive structure.

Expected lineup for Liverpool:

• Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker
• Defence: Jeremie Frimpong, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez
• Midfield: Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones, Federico Chiesa, Alexis Mac Allister, Florian Wirtz
• Forward: Hugo Ekitike

At the back, the leadership of Virgil van Dijk will be essential. His commanding presence and ability to organise the defence will be vital in neutralising Leeds United’s attacking threats. Alongside him, Ibrahima Konaté’s strength and speed offer a robust defensive partnership. The tactical impact of these players ensures Liverpool’s solidity at the back while allowing full-backs like Jeremie Frimpong to venture forward and support the attack.

Liverpool Tactics and Formation

Liverpool Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Hugo Ekitike
• Midfield Pivot: Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and wide play utilising full-backs.

Liverpool’s 4-2-3-1 formation under coach Arne Slot focuses on maximising possession and width. Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones anchor the midfield, offering both defensive cover and attacking transitions. Federico Chiesa and Alexis Mac Allister provide width, supporting the lone striker Hugo Ekitike, who is pivotal with eight goals this season.

Defensively, the partnership of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté in central defence is crucial, backed by the reliable Alisson Becker in goal. Full-backs Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez are key to Liverpool’s strategy, contributing to both defensive solidity and attacking support, which has helped secure two clean sheets in their last five outings.

Offensively, Liverpool’s approach involves high pressing and quick transitions. The team excels in wide play, with full-backs and wingers providing crosses to Ekitike. Despite injuries to key players like Giovanni Leoni and Joe Gomez, Liverpool’s depth has maintained their competitive edge in the Premier League.

Leeds United Analysis & Past Performance

Leeds United have demonstrated a resilient yet somewhat inconsistent form in recent outings. In their last five matches, they remain unbeaten with two wins and three draws, securing a total of nine points. Notably, they achieved a significant 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace and a thrilling 3-3 draw against Liverpool, showcasing their attacking prowess.

Home Side	Away Side	Outcome	League	Date
Sunderland	Leeds United	1 – 1 (Draw)	Premier League	28 Dec 2025
Leeds United	Crystal Palace	4 – 1 (Win)	Premier League	20 Dec 2025
Brentford	Leeds United	1 – 1 (Draw)	Premier League	14 Dec 2025
Leeds United	Liverpool	3 – 3 (Draw)	Premier League	6 Dec 2025
Leeds United	Chelsea	3 – 1 (Win)	Premier League	3 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
Offensively, Leeds United have been formidable, scoring an average of 2.40 goals per game in their last five matches, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin leading their attack with eight goals this season. Despite their scoring ability, they have also conceded 1.40 goals on average per game, indicating room for improvement in defensive solidity. They have not managed to keep a clean sheet in this period, which remains a concern for their backline.

Leeds United’s away form has been less convincing, with no victories in their last five away games, drawing two and losing three. This has contributed to their current standing at 16th in the league, with 20 points. Their ability to consistently score in both home and away fixtures, however, is a positive sign of their attacking intent, with both teams scoring in all of their recent matches.

• DWDDW

Leeds United Suspensions & Injuries

Leeds United will be missing some key players due to injuries, which could significantly impact their tactical setup against Liverpool. Sean Longstaff’s calf injury rules him out until early January, which deprives the midfield of his dynamism and work rate. Daniel James, sidelined with a hamstring injury until late January, will also be a notable absence, especially given his pace and ability to stretch defences.

Joe Rodon’s ankle injury, keeping him out until mid-January, means that Leeds United will have to rely on Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk in the heart of the defence. With these absences, Leeds United may need to adjust their defensive strategies, possibly adopting a more conservative approach to mitigate the impact of missing Rodon’s defensive capabilities.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Sean Longstaff	Calf Injury	Early January 2026
Daniel James	Hamstring Injury	Late January 2026
Joe Rodon	Ankle Injury	Mid January 2026

The absence of these key players might affect Leeds United’s overall squad depth, potentially influencing the match’s betting markets. With a depleted squad, Leeds United may find it challenging to maintain their typical high-pressing style against a formidable Liverpool side, which could lead to a more cautious game plan.

Leeds United Key Players

Leeds United’s offensive threat will be spearheaded by Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the team’s top scorer with eight goals this season. His ability to find space and clinical finishing make him a constant threat to any defence. Calvert-Lewin’s partnership with Noah Okafor in the forward line is expected to be pivotal, as Okafor’s pace and creativity can open up spaces for Calvert-Lewin to exploit.

Brenden Aaronson will be crucial in the midfield, acting as the primary playmaker. His vision and passing range can dictate the tempo of the game, linking the defence and attack seamlessly. Ethan Ampadu’s role as a defensive midfielder will be vital in breaking up Liverpool’s play and providing cover for the backline.

Expected lineup for Leeds United

• Goalkeeper: Lucas Perri
• Defence: Sebastiaan Bornauw, Jaka Bijol, Pascal Struijk
• Midfield: Jayden Bogle, Brenden Aaronson, Ethan Ampadu, Anton Stach, Gabriel Gudmundsson
• Forward: Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Noah Okafor

Defensively, Sebastiaan Bornauw and Pascal Struijk are key figures. Bornauw’s aerial dominance and Struijk’s tackling ability will be essential in keeping Liverpool’s potent attack at bay. The tactical setup will likely see Leeds United focusing on a strong defensive structure, with quick transitions spearheaded by their key players.

Leeds United Tactics and Formation

Leeds United Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-5-2
• Key Forward: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
• Midfield Pivot: Ethan Ampadu and Brenden Aaronson
• Defensive Strength: Zero clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on wing play and counter-attacks.

Leeds United’s 3-5-2 formation under Daniel Farke is designed to maximise width and exploit spaces on the flanks. This setup allows wing-backs Jayden Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson to push forward and support the attack, while Ethan Ampadu and Brenden Aaronson control the midfield tempo, offering both defensive cover and creative outlets.

Defensively, the trio of Sebastiaan Bornauw, Jaka Bijol, and Pascal Struijk forms the backline. However, the absence of Joe Rodon due to injury may impact their defensive cohesion, as evidenced by their struggle to keep clean sheets recently.

Offensively, Leeds United rely heavily on the prowess of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, their top scorer, and Noah Okafor to spearhead the attack. Their strategy often involves quick transitions and exploiting the pace of the wing-backs, although their away form remains a concern, with only two draws in the last five away matches.

Liverpool vs Leeds United Head-to-Head Record

Liverpool have dominated the head-to-head record against Leeds United, winning 12 out of their 19 encounters, with Leeds United claiming victory just three times and four matches ending in draws. The last time these two met, it was a thrilling 3-3 draw at Elland Road in December 2025, showcasing Leeds United’s ability to challenge Liverpool despite the latter’s historical edge.

In their last Premier League meeting at Anfield, Leeds United managed a surprising 2-1 victory over Liverpool in October 2022. However, Liverpool’s overall home form against Leeds United has been strong, often securing high-scoring wins, such as the 6-0 thrashing in February 2022.

Home Team	Away Team	Score	League	Date
Leeds United	Liverpool	3 – 3	Premier League	2025-12-06
Leeds United	Liverpool	1 – 6	Premier League	2023-04-17
Liverpool	Leeds United	1 – 2	Premier League	2022-10-29
Liverpool	Leeds United	6 – 0	Premier League	2022-02-23
Leeds United	Liverpool	0 – 3	Premier League	2021-09-12