Liverpool prepare themselves for a stiff challenge against Leeds United in the Premier League as they host Marcelo Bielsa’s men at Anfield today.
The Reds’ hopes of a Premier League title push were reignited on Sunday when Tottenham pulled off a shock 3-2 win over league leaders and defending champions Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
This means Jurgen Klopp’s side, who beat Norwich City 3-1 at Anfield on Saturday, head into the Leeds United game knowing that a victory would cut Man City’s lead at the top of the table down to just three points.
Liverpool Team News
Liverpool will be without Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota for Wednesday’s rearranged fixture against Leeds United with muscle and ankle injuries respectively. Other than the attacking duo, Klopp has a clean bill of health.
Predicted Liverpool Lineup vs Leeds United (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Alisson Becker missed out on a clean sheet in Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over relegation-threatened Norwich City over the weekend. However, he will be raring to keep one when Leeds United visit Anfield in midweek.
Defence
Jurgen Klopp may opt to freshen up his options at the back. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson could come into the Liverpool lineup after sitting out against Norwich.
Virgil van Dijk is the leader of the Liverpool backline and should start alongside Ibrahima Konate in central defence. The Reds defence will have to earn the right to keep a clean sheet against a high-pressing Leeds side in Merseyside.
Midfield
Fabinho was rested at the weekend, so he is likely to come back into Klopp’s Liverpool lineup. The Brazilian will face an uphill task of stopping the Leeds attackers from penetrating the Liverpool rearguard.
Harvey Elliot is pushing for a start after doing well in Liverpool’s 2-0 away victory over Inter Milan last week in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16. The teenager’s movement and dribbling skills could cause havoc in a Leeds midfield that struggled against Manchester United over the weekend. For the final midfield spot, Thiago Alcantara might get the nod over Jordan Henderson.
Attack
With Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino ruled out, Divock Origi may come into contention to lead the Liverpool lineup against Bielsa’s side. The Belgian’s ability to drop deep and link play can drag Leeds defenders out of position, leaving the likes of Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz to exploit the spaces.
If Liverpool’s front three of Diaz, Salah and Origi click, the Whites could face an embarrassing night at Anfield. Sadio Mane and Takumi Minamino will be potent attacking weapons to have on the bench.
