Introduction
First up, after Leeds got promoted after a long gap. No one would have thought they would have made it this easy to stay in the top half let alone have slight chances to reach the Europa League. Their high octane football makes them unpredictable. At the same time exciting to watch reminiscent of previous teams they have had, this is enough reason to hope for an engaging battle. On the contrary, Liverpool is just hoping to end the season in the top 4. They have been inconsistent throughout ever since injuries hit them, have been a shadow of last season. The two teams renowned for high pressure will again lock horns in what is expected to be an enthralling game.
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Why Should You be Watching?
Leeds and Liverpool had started the premier league season this year in an end-to-end blockbuster. Which ended 4-3 in the favor of Liverpool, this shows that both teams are wary of their strengths and weaknesses. Many such encounters between these teams have ended up on the same note with both having to work hard for the result.
Build Up
Liverpool bowed out of the Champions League after losing their tie to Real Madrid. It was a very poor display of defensive duties and average, to say the least. They had only 4 shots on target out of a total of 15 shots. They must improve on and when u look at the oppositions they have yet to face to stand a chance at UCL qualification next season. Leeds will be on a high after defeating a Man City side that totally dominated the game. They were dominating the Leeds in their half and yet Leeds grind out results despite being the worst side on the day which was not expected as they usually go out for the win but here they waited for a chance to exploit them at the right moment.
Liverpool’s form: WDLLW
Leeds ‘s form: WWLWD
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Leeds
The biggest blow for Leeds will be the absence of their skipper Liam Cooper. Who was given his marching orders in the previous fixture? Robin Koch is likely to replace him in the middle.
Jack Harrison will be raring to go once again, having missed out against his parent club Manchester City. Both Raphinha and Rodrigo are doubtful and will face a late fitness test ahead of the game.
Meslier
Ayling, Diego Llorente, Robin Koch, Alioski
Kalvin Phillips, Stuart Dallas, Helder Costa,
Tyler Roberts, Bamford, Jack Harrison
Liverpool
Klopp has no fresh injury concerns. The club’s treatment room is filled with key players including Virgil van Dijk, Jordan Henderson, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip, Curtis Jones, and Divock Origi.
Injuries-Virgil van Dijk, Jordan Henderson, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip, Curtis Jones and Divock Origi
Alisson
Arnold, Fabinho, Phillips, Robertson
Wijnaldum, Thiago, Midfield
Mane, Firmino, Salah
Head to Head
This fixture has had a long history with having played 60 times. Liverpool winning 30 and Leeds winning 20. In their recent fixtures, Liverpool has won 4 out of the last 5. These 2 clubs have such a long history and tradition of meeting each other that it is only second to a derby. As this is an away game Liverpool will be hoping to extend their consistent away form and Leeds will be hoping to just perform the way they have throughout as it has worked decently for them, to add to that, the reds have lost just one of their last 11 visits to Elland Road, with that run comprising of an impressive seven wins.
Players to Watch Out For
Leeds
Bamford
He has surprisingly been one of the best forwards in the lague despite contributing less amount of goals. The manner in which he can link the play between the lines, whether it be forward or back is enough to praise his efforts.
Harrison
The awareness and speed harrsion posseses has cought teams by surprise this season and he is one of those Leeds players who can run for any lost cause with his his endless stamina. He also produces goals and assists during key occasions when the other members of his team lack the cutting edge.
Liverpool
Mane
The manner in which he had showed composure during the last couple of matches is a hopeful sign as he had lacked composure for a series of matches together where fans like me thought he would never return from. All he needs is a few goals or assists to bring up his confidence and this is the reason he could be starting.
Arnold
The last couple of matches in which Liverpool has won or performed well has been largely due to his contributions and tireless efforts, nothing less will be expected from him as fans are aware of the levels he is capable of reaching. All that he has to work on is improving defensively as he leaves too many gaps at times
Conclusion
The two managers have preserved the long history of these two clubs, Klopp having ended the 30-year wait of an EPL title for Liverpool and Bielsa ending the 13-year wait of Leeds to return to the EPL, what is left to be in seen is whether he can improve on the clubs highest ever finish which was fifth, way back in 2004-05. This will be engaging as both have a lot to play for come to the end of the season and is another tail of their that may or may not preserve their long history.
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