Liverpool vs Leeds prediction 01.01.2026 | English Premier League

Liverpool enter this tie on the back of positive momentum, currently unbeaten in their last seven matches across all competitions, including three consecutive league wins and an impressive away victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League. This run has seen them return to the top-four positions after a prolonged period of inconsistency. The nightmare league spell, during which the Reds suffered six defeats in seven matches between late September and late November, has been replaced by a streak of six unbeaten league games. However, Arne Slot’s side are still not operating at their absolute peak, having dropped points against Sunderland (1-1) and Thursday’s opponents Leeds (3-3).

Home form at Anfield continues to be a strength; historical data suggests Liverpool have avoided defeat in around 85% of their recent home matches. That said, personnel issues persist. Key attackers Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak are unavailable, with Salah on Africa Cup of Nations duty and Isak sidelined through injury. Further defensive absences include Joe Gomez and Stefan Bajcetic, forcing Slot to adapt his back line. Despite these challenges, Florian Wirtz finally opened his Premier League account on the previous matchday and continues to provide creativity in midfield, while Hugo Ekitike has been a reliable source of goals, scoring eight league goals in 17 appearances.

Leeds United arrive at Anfield having shown signs of resilience, with an unbeaten run of five matches across all competitions, although only two wins were recorded during this period. Following their thrilling 3-3 draw with Liverpool in the reverse fixture in December, Leeds have picked up valuable points in their efforts to move clear of relegation pressure. They recently thrashed a well-balanced and ambitious Crystal Palace side 4-1, before earning a 1-1 draw against a defensively solid Sunderland team, who have proven difficult to beat even for top-table opposition.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been instrumental in Leeds’ attacking output, scoring eight Premier League goals this season and finding the net in six consecutive league matches - a feat not achieved by an English striker in the Premier League since 2019. Injury concerns persist, however: winger Daniel James remains sidelined with a hamstring issue, while midfielders Lukas Nmecha and Sean Longstaff are also unavailable, reducing squad depth. Leeds’ away form remains a major concern; they are winless in nine Premier League away matches, with defensive lapses contributing to a high rate of goal concessions.