Liverpool begin 2026 with a big Premier League test as Leeds United travel to Anfield for a New Year’s Day showdown. The 5.30pm GMT kick off brings together a Liverpool side chasing momentum and a Leeds team full of belief after a strong recent run. With returning players, key absences, and memories of a dramatic 3-3 draw earlier this season, this fixture has all the ingredients for another intense contest.
Szoboszlai Returns as Liverpool Get a Midfield Boost
Liverpool will welcome back Dominik Szoboszlai after the Hungarian served a one match suspension against Wolverhampton Wanderers. His ban followed the accumulation of five Premier League yellow cards, but he is now available for selection again. Szoboszlai’s return is significant. His energy, pressing, and ability to arrive late in attacking areas add balance to Arne Slot’s midfield. With Liverpool aiming to control games more effectively at home, his presence could be key in setting the tempo early.
Liverpool Injury Update: Who Is Available and Who Is Missing
Liverpool still have several injury concerns to manage heading into the new year. Joe Gomez has been absent since suffering a muscle injury against Brighton in mid December and remains unavailable. Wataru Endo has also been sidelined with an ankle issue and last featured in the 3-3 draw away at Leeds three and a half weeks ago. His absence has limited Slot’s options for late game control.
Alexander Isak and Giovanni Leoni are both long term absentees. Isak is recovering from ankle surgery that included a fibula fracture, while Leoni is out for the season after tearing his ACL. Mohamed Salah remains unavailable as he continues his involvement at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt. One key disciplinary note is Ibrahima Konate. The Liverpool centre back is one yellow card away from a one match Premier League suspension. Managing his aggression will be important in a physical contest.
Leeds United Form: Confidence High Despite Injury Blow
Leeds arrive at Anfield unbeaten in their last five Premier League matches, a run that has lifted them to 16th in the table with 20 points from 18 games. Their most recent result was a 1-1 draw away at Sunderland, where Dominic Calvert Lewin continued his excellent scoring form.
However, Leeds will be without a key defensive figure. Joe Rodon, who had not missed a league game since October 2023, was forced off with an ankle injury at the Stadium of Light and will not feature at Anfield. Daniel Farke confirmed Rodon’s absence and also ruled out Daniel James and Sean Longstaff.
“It’s not beneficial for what we want to do but no complaints,” Farke said. “We go with what we’ve got and try to be competitive again.”
Leeds Defensive Options and Tactical Flexibility
Rodon’s absence raises questions about Leeds’ defensive shape, but Farke believes his squad has the flexibility to adapt.
“We can play a three man defensive formation or a four man formation,” he explained. “Sebastiaan Bornauw is one option, Sam Byram has played centre back, James Justin can play in a back three. We have enough options.”
That tactical flexibility could be important against Liverpool, especially given how the reverse fixture unfolded.
Remembering the 3-3 Draw at Elland Road
When the sides met at Elland Road in early December, fans were treated to one of the games of the season. Liverpool led, lost control, and had to settle for a point in a wild 3-3 draw. Hugo Ekitike scored twice and Szoboszlai also found the net, while Leeds responded through a Calvert Lewin penalty and goals from Anton Stach and Ao Tanaka. That match offered valuable lessons, particularly for Arne Slot.
Slot Reflects on Leeds Threat and Tactical Lessons
Speaking ahead of the rematch, Slot admitted Leeds caused Liverpool more problems when they switched to a back four late in the game.
“We struggled more when they went to a four than when they played with five,” Slot said. “That is something I will definitely look at.”
Slot also spoke about the importance of game management, highlighting how the absence of players like Endo limits substitution options when protecting narrow leads.
Wirtz Adaptation and Jones Form Under the Spotlight
Slot also discussed Florian Wirtz’s adaptation to English football, noting the intensity of the Premier League and how demanding it is for players arriving from abroad. He confirmed that fatigue rather than form led to Wirtz being substituted in recent games.
Curtis Jones also earned praise after starting four consecutive matches. Slot highlighted Jones’ confidence on the ball and his improved fitness levels, calling it a major positive given Liverpool’s midfield absences.
Key Leeds Players to Watch
Dominic Calvert Lewin is the standout threat for Leeds. The striker has eight Premier League goals this season and has scored in six consecutive league games. His physical presence and movement will test Liverpool’s centre backs. Anton Stach has contributed three goals from midfield, while Lukas Nmecha has four goals to his name and recently returned to fitness. Brenden Aaronson has provided creativity with three assists. Ethan Ampadu and Jayden Bogle will both need to be careful, as each is one yellow card away from a one match suspension.
Last Match Recap: Momentum vs Resilience
Liverpool come into this fixture following a 2-1 win over Wolves. The starting lineup featured Alisson, Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Gravenberch, Jones, Mac Allister, Chiesa, Wirtz, and Ekitike. It was another example of Liverpool grinding out results despite missing key players. Leeds drew 1-1 with Sunderland, with Calvert Lewin again on the scoresheet. Their resilience away from home has been a key factor in their recent unbeaten run.
Pre Match Stats That Add Extra Edge
Leeds have not lost a Premier League game in January in their last 10 attempts, recording six wins and four draws. They will also be looking to avoid defeat home and away against the reigning champions for the first time since the 1994-95 season. Leeds won 2-1 at Anfield in October 2022, but they have never won consecutive league visits to Liverpool. Calvert Lewin has scored three goals in his last five league games against the Reds, but has never scored at Anfield in the Premier League.
What to Expect at Anfield
Liverpool will aim to dominate possession, press aggressively, and avoid the late game chaos that defined the reverse fixture. Szoboszlai’s return should help add structure, while Jones and Mac Allister will be key in controlling midfield spaces. Leeds are likely to stay compact early and look to exploit transitions, especially through Calvert Lewin. Their flexibility at the back could make them unpredictable.
Final Thoughts
This New Year’s Day clash feels like a serious test for both sides. Liverpool want to extend their winning run and start 2026 strongly at Anfield. Leeds want to prove their unbeaten streak is no accident. With returning players, tactical storylines, and unfinished business from December, Liverpool vs Leeds United promises intensity, quality, and drama. If the reverse fixture is anything to go by, fans should be ready for another memorable Premier League afternoon.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com