Liverpool host Leeds United at Anfield on Wednesday, 22nd February. at 7:45 pm.
Liverpool currently trail Manchester City by 6 points having played a game less. A win here would take them to just 3 off the league leaders. Jurgen Klopp’s side will hope to keep the pressure as they close down on another possible title. Leeds on the other hand currently find themselves 15th after a not so good season. Marcelo Bielsa’s side lead Everton by a point but have also played a game more.
The Merseyside club come to this game after a convincing 3-1 over Norwich City. The Reds were a goal down after Rashica scored just after half time. But three goals from Salah, Mane and new signing Diaz sealed the win for the Merseyside club. Liverpool find themselves closer than ever this season to the number one spot and a win could take them a long way.
Liverpool Premier League Form: W W W W W D
Leeds had a 6 game goal fest against Manchester United prior to this game. After Maguire and Fernandes scored to make it 2-0 for United, Leeds scored 2 quickfire goals to make it 2-2. But eventually fell short as the Red Devils won the game 4-2. A slump could see Leeds in the fight for relegation. Bielsa’s side have had an underwhelming second second after promotion, mostly due to multiple injuries. This will be a stern test for them as they go up against the fiery Reds.
Leeds Premier League Form: L L D L W W
LIVERPOOL TEAM NEWS
Liverpool lost Roberto Firmino to a muscular issue before the Norwich win – with Klopp subsequently stating the forward would be out for a “while” – and the full extent of Diogo Jota’s ankle injury is still unclear.
The Reds otherwise have no fresh concerns to report from the weekend, where the pack was shuffled considerably as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson both enjoyed periods of rest.
The two full-backs will expect to return here despite the impending cup final, while Divock Origi will hope to come into contention for a rare start given Klopp’s centre-forward dilemma.
LIVERPOOL POSSIBLE STARTING ELEVEN AGAINST LEEDS
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Elliott, Fabinho, Henderson; Salah, Mane, Diaz
LEEDS TEAM NEWS
As for Leeds, Koch ultimately left the field in the 31st minute after a collision with Scott McTominay busted him wide open, and the German will surely sit this one out amid concussion fears.
Sam Greenwood, Patrick Bamford, Kalvin Phillips and Liam Cooper also continue their spells out of action, so Jamie Shackleton could deputise for Koch in the middle alongside Adam Forshaw, unless Mateusz Klich drops deeper.
Raphinha was surprisingly named on the bench for the clash with Man United but will expect an immediate recall at Anfield, especially with Liverpool reported to be closely monitoring his progress.
LEEDS POSSIBLE STARTING ELEVEN AGAINST LIVERPOOL
Meslier; Ayling, Llorente, Struijk, Dallas; Klich, Forshaw; Raphinha, Rodrigo, Harrison; James
OUR PREDICTION
Liverpool 3 – 0 Leeds
Even with the EFL Cup final looming, Liverpool ought to have no trouble stamping their authority on the league’s worst away defence just as they did at Elland Road earlier this season. Klopp’s side will certainly have Manchester City looking over their shoulder with a priceless three points in midweek, and we do not expect Leeds to spring any surprises.
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