Leeds United will host Liverpool in a crucial Premier League fixture at Elland Road on Tuesday, 18th April 2023. Liverpool is currently placed 8th in the Premier League table, while Leeds United is positioned at 16th, just two points ahead of relegation zone. The two teams have faced each other 122 times in domestic English competitions since their first game in November 1924, with Liverpool winning 62 matches, Leeds winning 29 games, and 31 matches ending in a draw.
In their last five Premier League matches, Leeds has only suffered two losses and has been defeated only five times at home this season. With Everton, Leicester, and Southampton losing their recent matches, Leeds has an excellent opportunity to move away from the relegation zone if they can secure a win against Liverpool.
However, Leeds has conceded at least two goals in four of their previous games, making them the second-weakest defensive team in the league, conceding 54 goals. Liverpool, on the other hand, drew with Arsenal in their latest match, keeping them at the eighth position in the league table. Additionally, they will not be able to overtake Brighton and Aston Villa, who both won their games last night, even if they win against Leeds.
Liverpool is currently facing one of their most challenging periods, having failed to win in their last five matches and obtaining only three away victories in the league this season. In the first round, Liverpool lost at home to Leeds, while The Peacocks have not won against The Reds at Elland Road in the Premier League since the 2000-2001 season.
Stuart Dallas and Tyler Adams are confirmed absent from the match due to injury, while Javi Garcia revealed that several Leeds players are undergoing physical rehabilitation. Stefan Bajcetic, Naby Keita, and Calvin Ramsay are currently injured and unavailable for Liverpool, while Luis Diaz is expected to return to the first team from the bench.
Leeds’ likely starting line-up will include Meslier, Kristensen, Koch, Cooper, Firpo, McKennie, Roca, Harrison, Rodrigo, Gnonto, and Bamford, while Liverpool’s team is expected to feature Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago, Salah, Gakpo, and Nunez.
Given Liverpool’s first 35 minutes of play against Arsenal, where they struggled to contain the Gunners’ attacks, they might face challenges in defending against Leeds’ offensive movements. However, Leeds’ shaky defence could prove to be an advantage for Liverpool, particularly with the return of Luis Diaz.
