Liverpool will welcome Leeds United to Anfield in their next Premier League game. Jurgen Klopp’s side have the opportunity to close the gap between them and Manchester City to just three points. The Reds are yet to lose in 2022 and will be coming off their 3-1 win against Norwich. Leeds will hope to bounce back from their loss to Manchester United and put an end to Liverpool’s unbeaten run.
Liverpool Look to Close the Gap on Manchester City
Will Klopp Field a Strengthened Liverpool Squad?
After Tottenham Hotspur beat Manchester City in a shocking result, the title race has been blown wide open. Liverpool will look to capitalise on this by beating Leeds and put some pressure on the league leaders. However, Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota have both been ruled out of this fixture with injuries. This means Klopp will have to field a significantly weaker attack.
Liverpool are also set to head to Wembley this weekend where they will face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final. This is a trophy Klopp hasn’t won yet in his managerial career although he insists he wants to win it. This means he could decide to rest key players such as Henderson and Mane for the final. Klopp wouldn’t want to risk any more injuries when it comes to Liverpool’s attack. This means we could see the likes of Divock Origi or Takumi Minamino starting this fixture against Leeds.
How Have Liverpool Fared Against Leeds United in the Past?
Since Leeds have been promoted to the Premier League in 2020, Marcelo Bielsa’s side haven’t been able to beat Liverpool. The two sides kicked off the 2020/21 Premier League campaign with a classic 4-3 game. Mohamed Salah scored a hat-trick to secure the win for Liverpool.
Later that season, the Reds were held to a draw at Elland Road. Liverpool fielded a considerably weaker side due to key players such as Virgil van Dijk and Jordan Henderson out injured. Leeds dominated the possession and Diego Llorente snatched a late equaliser for Bielsa’s side.
Liverpool responded to that draw by hammering a ten-man Leeds side 3-0 earlier this season. Jurgen Klopp will hope his players can achieve a similar result at Anfield to close the gap on Manchester City before their Carabao Cup clash with Chelsea.
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