Liverpool vs Leeds preview, prediction, team news and head-to-head

Both clubs arrive unbeaten in recent weeks, but the hosts will expect home advantage to tilt the balance in their favour.

Liverpool appear to have shaken off their earlier-season wobble and head into the final fixture of 2025 in buoyant mood. 

Three straight Premier League victories, and four wins in succession across all competitions, have reignited belief under Arne Slot and dragged the reigning champions firmly back into the top-four conversation.

Anfield has also been a happy hunting ground when the calendar flips, with the Reds winning five of their last six league games played on New Year’s Day. 

They are also unbeaten in their last nine first matches of a new year at home, a trend that further strengthens their case for another positive start to 2026.

Leeds, meanwhile, travel south in encouraging form of their own. A 1-1 draw with Sunderland last weekend extended their unbeaten league run to five matches and has opened up some breathing room above the relegation zone. 

However, Daniel Farke will be acutely aware that danger is never far away, particularly given his side’s struggles away from Elland Road.

The Whites have collected just one away league win all season and have found trips to reigning champions especially unforgiving, winning only once in their last 16 such encounters. 

While January has traditionally been kind to Leeds, extending that run at Anfield would require a sizeable upset.

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Liverpool have largely dominated this fixture in recent years, losing just once in the last 15 meetings (W10, D4). That solitary defeat did come at Anfield in the most recent encounter, however, meaning Leeds have a rare chance to claim consecutive league wins on this ground for the first time.

Liverpool will again be without Mohamed Salah due to international duty, while Alexander Isak and Giovanni Leoni are ruled out. Joe Gomez, Wataru Endo and Stefan Bajcetic are all doubts and will be assessed closer to kick-off.

Leeds have fewer concerns but could be missing Joe Rodon through injury, while Sean Longstaff remains a doubt as he continues to recover from a calf problem.

Liverpool: Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones; Chiesa, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Ekitike 

Leeds: Perri; Bogle, Bijol, Struijk; Tanaka, Aaronson, Ampadu, Stach, Gudmundsson; Calvert-Lewin, Okafor

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Liverpool’s resurgence, combined with their strong New Year record at Anfield, makes them clear favourites despite Leeds’ recent resilience. The visitors may keep things competitive, but the Reds’ firepower and home strength should ultimately tell.

Correct score prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Leeds

Betting tips:

Liverpool to win

Both teams to score

Over 2.5 goals