Liverpool goes to Elland Road on Monday night to face Leeds United, where they risk going six games without a win for the first time under Jurgen Klopp.
Team Form
Leeds United
Last weekend, Leeds United faced Crystal Palace at Elland Road, and despite an early effort from Patrick Bamford, the team’s performance went downhill. Palace won the match by a decisive 5-1 scoreline, leaving Leeds fans disappointed.
However, Leeds can take some comfort in that their closest rivals in the league, namely Southampton, Leicester City, and Everton also failed to secure a victory on the same day.
Leeds still holds their 16th-place position in the league, but only just. Nottingham Forest, who are two points behind Leeds, can overtake them if they win against Manchester United on Sunday.
Despite the recent loss to Palace, Leeds has only suffered two defeats in their last five matches in the top-flight league. However, their defense has been a concern as they have conceded at least two goals in four of those matches, and they currently have one of the joint-second leakiest defenses in the division.
Leeds United PL Form: D W L W L
Liverpool
In their recent game against Arsenal, Liverpool dominated the second half and put constant pressure on their opponents. However, despite several attempts, they could not convert their chances into goals.
Even a penalty taken by Salah was missed, and a deflected effort was somehow saved by Ramsdale, who also denied Ibrahima Konate at the back post in the game’s dying seconds.
Despite their recent struggles, Liverpool is still in eighth place in the league standings. However, Brighton & Hove Albion and Aston Villa managed to secure wins on Saturday, which means that Liverpool cannot overtake any of their fellow continental challengers, regardless of their performance on Monday.
Liverpool PL Form: W L L D D
Squad Report
Leeds United
Leeds United will not have the services of Stuart Dallas or Tyler Adams for their upcoming matches as they continue to recover from their respective thigh injuries.
However, Maximilian Wober has returned to training this week and could feature in the team’s upcoming games if he proves his fitness.
Meanwhile, Gracia disclosed that some of his players are dealing with physical issues. Although he has not named any players, he will likely change the team following their disappointing performance last weekend.Ā
Liverpool
Luis Diaz’s return to the pitch after a serious knee injury will be a highly anticipated moment for fans, but it’s expected that the Colombian will begin the game on the bench.
However, Liverpool will be without Stefan Bajcetic, who has an adductor injury. Naby Keita is recovering from a muscle problem, and Calvin Ramsay is dealing with a knee injury.
Leeds United’s expected starting lineup:
Meslier; Kristensen, Koch, Cooper, Firpo; McKennie, Roca; Harrison, Rodrigo, Gnonto; Bamford
Liverpool’s expected starting lineup:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago; Salah, Gakpo, Nunez
Head to Head
Leeds United and Liverpool have faced each other 23 times in the English Premier League.
Of these matches, Liverpool has emerged victorious 14 times, while Leeds United has won on five occasions. The two teams have also played out four draws in their previous encounters.
Time, Date & Venue
Date: Monday, April 17
Time: 08:00 pm, BST
Venue: Elland Road, Leeds
Prediction
Although Leeds United has shown its attacking prowess in recent games, its defense has been its Achilles heel.
They will face a tough challenge against a strong Liverpool side, who gave the current league leaders a run for their money in their last game.
