Thu Jan 01 16:50:00 UTC 2026: ## Liverpool Faces Leeds in Crucial Premier League Clash at Anfield
Liverpool, England – Liverpool welcomes Leeds to Anfield today for a crucial Premier League match, kicking off at 5:30 PM GMT. With their title hopes already fading, securing a top-four finish is paramount for Arne Slot’s side.
Slot has made three changes from the win against Wolves, most notably fielding Jeremie Frimpong on the right wing, a position he has experience in from his time at Bayer Leverkusen. Conor Bradley will start at right-back.
Meanwhile, Leeds manager Daniel Farke has surprisingly opted to bench in-form striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, citing the need to manage his workload after a difficult period with injuries. Despite Calvert-Lewin’s impressive scoring record, Farke emphasizes trust in his entire squad.
Liverpool are fielding a fluid 4-3-3 formation with Wirtz and Ekitike in the attack, while Leeds line up in a 3-5-2.
Liverpool is looking to capitalize on dropped points from their rivals, with Villa, Chelsea, and Manchester United all faltering this week. Leeds, currently on a five-match unbeaten run, are focused solely on Premier League survival and will aim to surprise Liverpool.
The game will be at Anfield which is famous for the Tony Yeboah goal. The ball hitting off Yeboah’s laces, crashing off the underside of the crossbar to send the Elland Road crowd wild.
The reverse fixture last month was a thrilling 3-3 draw. With the Mo Salah transfer situation settling and Florian Wirtz recently finding the net, Liverpool will be eager to secure a victory in front of their home crowd.
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlai; Frimpong, Ekitike, Wirtz.
Leeds XI: Lucas Perri; Bornauw, Bijol, Struijk; Justin, Gruev, Ampadu, Stach, Gudmundsson; Aaronson, Nmecha.
First Piper 