Liverpool vs. Leeds: Not a Title Race Tale | OneFootball

Let’s get one thing straight from the off, this is not a Liverpool title race story. Their New Year’s Day clash with Leeds United is about momentum, positioning and survival in the top four dogfight. Arne Slot’s side are improving, climbing back into the Champions League picture, but this is still a season about damage limitation and recovery rather than silverware parades.

Anfield Again; Leeds Again

Liverpool begin 2026 with a second straight home game and, strangely, a second meeting with Leeds in quick succession. The last encounter ended 3-3, a scoreline that flatters Leeds more than it reflects the balance of play. Liverpool raced into a 2-0 lead, controlled long spells, then somehow contrived to throw points away late on. One Leeds goal came from the spot, another from Liverpool switching off. That draw remains the only time this season Liverpool have failed to win after taking the lead.

Anfield has been a mixed bag under Slot, but six wins from nine league games at home is still solid. The recent 2-1 win over Wolves wasn’t flawless, especially after the break, but it got the job done. That matters at this stage.

Slot’s Revival, Still Fragile

After a grim run either side of November’s international break, Liverpool have finally found rhythm again. Seven games unbeaten in all competitions on the spin, including a gritty European win away at Inter, suggest Slot has steadied the ship. The Reds were back up to fourth at the start of the week, back in the conversation, and playing with far more belief than a month ago.

That said, the cracks remain. Defensive security is still an issue, with just two domestic clean sheets in the last two months. Liverpool can dominate matches and still look one lapse away from chaos. This is not a polished machine, just a dangerous one.

Breaking the Low Block, Again

Leeds will not come to Anfield to play heroes. Expect bodies behind the ball and an invitation for Liverpool to break them down. That used to be bread and butter. Last season, low blocks didn’t survive long. This year, it has been harder, slower, more laboured.

The good news for Liverpool is the growing influence of summer signings Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong. Wirtz brings incision between the lines and having registered his first goal in Liverpool red over the weekend vs Wolves as well as his first assist vs Spurs. He seems to be getting to grips with the League which was one his many critiques since his big money arrival from the Bundesliga. Meanwhile, Frimpong offers chaos from wide areas. His burst and cut-back for Gravenberch against Wolves was exactly the kind of moment Liverpool have lacked. If Leeds sit deep, Liverpool now have more tools to prise them open.

Liverpool Team News and Key Men

Liverpool remain without Mohamed Salah due to AFCON, a massive miss that still defines their attacking ceiling. Alexander Isak is sidelined long-term after surgery on a fractured leg, further thinning attacking depth. Dominik Szoboszlai returns from suspension and should inject energy and leadership into midfield. Hugo Ekitiké, in red hot form, should lead the line and looks increasingly comfortable carrying the attack.

Leeds Team News and Key Men

Leeds will be arriving to the home of the champions without Sean Longstaff and Dan James, but confidence is flowing. Dominic Calvert-Lewin found his scoring boots once again against Sunderland and will relish the physical battle. Ao Tanaka, heroic scorer of that late equalizer in the reverse fixture, could return to the starting XI and will not be short of belief.

Away Day Weakness

While Leeds recent run deserves respect, their away form defensively is still a concern. Daniel Farke’s side give up far more chances on the road, with underlying numbers that scream vulnerability. They rarely score first away from home and tend to spend long spells under pressure. Add short rest after a trip to Sunderland and another journey to Anfield, and this looks like a tough ask.

Final Thoughts

Liverpool don’t need fireworks, they need control. With brutal away trips to Fulham and Arsenal looming, this is a game they must take seriously and get three points in or else previous wins more than likely look like they’ve simply papering over the cracks. A home win here doesn’t announce a title push, but it does underline intent in the top four race. Anfield expects three points. Anything less would be self-sabotage.