Prediction: Liverpool vs Leeds – Betting Tips, Team News, Key Facts

Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Looking to extend on their recent purple patch and get 2026 off with a statement of intent, Liverpool will welcome Leeds to Anfield on New Year’s Day.

Liverpool

Starting with the hosts, while Liverpool might have found themselves at the heart of an infamous rut on either side of November’s International break, Arne Slot’s men have certainly come roaring back over the past month. Last seen clinching a 2-1 victory at home against Wolves, the reigning Premier League champions have now won all of their previous four appearances across all competitions. Collecting a heavyweight European scalp on December 9th as they claimed a 1-0 win away at Italian giants Inter Milan, Liverpool are enjoying their most fruitful spell since the end of September. Finding a route back into the Champions League spots last weekend, the former Feyenoord boss will be calling on his resurgent squad to find some much-welcomed defensive stability. It is worth highlighting, Thursday’s hosts have recorded just a pair of domestic clean sheets over the past two months.

Liverpool Team News

Undergoing surgery on a fractured leg last week, Liverpool have confirmed that summer recruit and former Newcastle striker Alexander Isak faces a lengthy stint on the sidelines. Likewise, featuring at this month’s AFCON, Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah will once again miss out on Thursday evening.

Serving a one-match suspension against Wolves last weekend, Hungarian skipper Dominik Szoboszlai could be handed a full recall. Notching five goals in his previous four Premier League appearances and making an immediate impact on Merseyside, summer arrival Hugo Ekitike will lead the line at Anfield here.

Leeds

As for the visitors, losing six of their seven appearances on either side of November’s international break, Leeds were widely regarded as a standout contender to be hit with an immediate Championship return in 2026. However, mounting a comeback away at fellow Premier League newcomers Sunderland last weekend as they snatched a 1-1 stalemate at the Stadium of Light, Daniel Farke’s men have shown real signs of life over the past month. Collecting a heavyweight scalp on December 3rd as they stormed their way to an empathic 3-1 victory against Chelsea, the Yorkshire-based outfit have skyrocketed their away from the drop zone. Opening the midweek fixtures holding a commanding seven-point buffer over the drop zone, Leeds are also unbeaten in all of their previous five consecutive Premier League appearances.

Leeds Team News

Dealing with a recent calf issue and not featuring since back on November 23rd, Leeds will travel to Anfield on Thursday evening without ex-Newcastle star Sean Longstaff. Likewise, Wales international Dan James remains on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

Breaking a string of records over the past month and now finding the net in all of his last six consecutive appearances, summer recruit and former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin will lead the line here. Bagging a stunning last-gasp equaliser against Liverpool on December 6th, Ao Tanaka could be handed a full recall.

Liverpool vs Leeds Key Factors to Consider

• When Liverpool and Leeds met for their reverse Premier League showdown on December 6th, Thursday’s opponents played out a 1-1 stalemate at Elland Road.
• Liverpool have won all of their previous four consecutive appearances across all competitions.
• Leeds are unbeaten in each of their last five straight Premier League appearances (two wins, three draws).
• Enjoying a remarkable run of form, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has found the net in all of his last six consecutive appearances.
• The last five meetings between Liverpool and Leeds have produced 25 goals at both ends of the pitch.

Conclusion

With the two historic foes playing out a thrilling 3-3 stalemate when they met for their reverse Premier League showdown on December 6th, neutrals will be hoping for another thriller on Thursday evening. Watching Liverpool muster just a pair of domestic clean sheets over the past two months, chances could come thick and fast from Anfield. With the last five Premier League showdowns between Liverpool and Leeds producing 25 goals at both ends of the pitch, Thursday’s opponents certainly have a habit of producing fireworks when they meet.

Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Dachbet