Liverpool will embark on a tricky trip to Elland Road to face Leeds United in the Premier League on Monday, and will hope to climb back into the top four.
The two teams met on matchday 1 of this season when the Reds hosted Leeds United, and they played some thrilling attacking football. It was a contest of the highest calibre which was decided with an 88th-minute penalty from Mohamed Salah as Liverpool emerged 4-3 winners.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side will be high on confidence after registering three back-to-back wins. Their latest victory was probably the biggest of their campaign as the 10-men Leeds defeated Manchester City at the Etihad.
On the other hand, Liverpool crashed out of the Champions League in midweek. The Reds failed to overturn their first-leg deficit against Real Madrid, but will look to finish the season on a high.
Liverpool Team News
Jordan Henderson, Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are the long-term absentees for the club. Divock Origi has missed the last few games and will continue to be on the treatment table as he nurses a muscle injury.
Curtis Jones did not feature against Aston Villa and Real Madrid as a precautionary measure due to muscle tightness. He is still a doubt for this clash against Leeds United.
Predicted Liverpool lineup vs Leeds United (4-3-3)
Defence
Alisson Becker will continue to feature between the sticks. In the last six matches across all competitions, the back four has remained unchanged.
So we expect Klopp to continue with Ozan Kabak and Nathaniel Phillips at the heart of the defence, while Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson will play as the two full-backs.
Midfield
Fabinho will sit in front of the defence to provide protection to the back four. Thiago did not start against Real Madrid, and is expected to feature against Leeds United.
The former Bayern Munich midfielder will have the responsibility to expose small pockets of space that Leeds often leave when they try to drive forward.
Predicted Liverpool Lineup vs Leeds United
James Milner’s work rate will be crucial against Leeds, who cover a lot of ground as a team. The former England international should feature in place of Gini Wijnaldum.
Attack
Mohamed Salah’s form in front of goal has been a highlight of Liverpool’s season so far. Only Harry Kane (21) has hit the back of the net more times in the league than Salah (19). Salah should feature on the right in the Liverpool lineup.
It has been a season to forget for Sadio Mane, but Klopp will be hoping that the Senegalese international can finish the season on a high. He is expected to feature on the left once again.
Roberto Firmino has often made way for Diogo Jota, who has eight league goals to his name in 14 appearances. The Portuguese should displace Firmino once again in the Liverpool lineup.