Leeds-Liverpool is a match valid for the 31st day of the Premier League and is played on Monday at 9 pm: TV, lineups, predictions.
It has been more than a month since Liverpool’s last success. That historic 7-0 thrashing of Manchester United that had revived the ambitions of Jurgen Klopp’s team, the protagonist of a season whose performance has been erratic, to say the least. The Reds do not seem to have benefited at all from that incredible victory against an opponent that is ahead of them – and not by a small margin – in the standings. And they continue to pile disappointment upon disappointment.
Two defeats in a row with Bournemouth and Manchester City – to which must be added the one with Real Madrid in the Champions League, which decreed their elimination from the continental event – and two draws with Londoners Chelsea and Arsenal. Against the Gunners, a week ago, it ended 2-2: to be applauded was the reaction after the double lead of Mikel Arteta’s men, reeled back in by goals from Salah and Firmino. Only some miraculous interventions of the opponent’s goalkeeper Ramsdale, in the end, prevented Liverpool from completing the comeback and giving the Premier League’s leader a deep sorrow. Match that in any case confirmed the poor balance between the two phases of the formation led by the German coach: the Reds in attack know how to be devastating but behind continue to concede too many goals. The hope of qualifying for the next edition of the Champions League, meanwhile, is slim. After the weekend’s results Liverpool is only eighth, with twelve points to make up on fourth-placed Newcastle.
Leeds, defense is a sieve
But at the moment it also looks complicated to snatch a pass for the other two minor competitions, considering that Brighton and Aston Villa are not slowing down their run.
Leeds’ Adams in match against Chelsea
In the post-match that closes the 31st day, Liverpool goes hunting for heavy points at home to Leeds, which has only a two-point margin over the relegation zone. The arrival of Spanish coach Javi Gracia has given the jolt that was needed to a team that never clicked with predecessor Marsch–two wins came in the last four games–but last Sunday’s humiliating defeat against Crystal Palace at Elland Road (1-5) should be interpreted as a worrying step backward, especially in the non-possession phase. Under the former Watford coach, the Whites have more swagger in attack, but they are dancing dangerously at the back: in four rounds their defense has conceded as many as 12 goals. Leeds has not beaten Liverpool in front of its own public since as far back as 2001, since the days of Kewell and Viduka for that matter. On the other hand, it is the only team that has been able to conquer Anfield Road this year: in October it got the better of the Reds 2-1.
The prediction
Liverpool should be able to get unstuck against a Leeds that has horror defensive numbers (second worst defense in the tournament). And it is, moreover, fresh off a heavy thrashing in a direct clash. The Reds defense, however, continues not to offer too many guarantees, which is why it would not be a surprise if Javi Gracia’s Whites score at least one goal.
The probable lineups of Leeds-Liverpool
- LEEDS (4-2-3-1): Meslier; Kristensen, Koch, Cooper, Junior Firpo; McKennie, Roca; Harrison, Rodrigo, Gnonto; Bamford.
- LIVERPOOL (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago Alcantara; Salah, Gakpo, Darwin Nunez.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-2
