Liverpool vs Leeds Prediction & Betting Tips (1 January)

Liverpool approach this Premier League meeting with Leeds carrying the weight of a turbulent but compelling run of performances. Their recent 3-3 draw at Elland Road, where Hugo Ekitike struck twice before Leeds mounted a late comeback, highlighted both Liverpool’s attacking sharpness and their defensive fragilityThis Is Anfield+3. Arne Slot has been rotating his squad, with notable decisions such as benching Mohamed Salah in that same fixture, a move that drew attention but also showed the manager’s willingness to experimentThis Is Anfield. Liverpool’s ability to dominate long stretches of matches remains intact, yet their tendency to lose control in key moments has become a recurring theme over the past two months.

Leeds, meanwhile, enter this clash with renewed confidence after a series of spirited performances that have lifted their momentum. Their 3-1 victory over Chelsea and the dramatic 3-3 draw against Liverpool showcased their growing resilience and attacking variety under Daniel FarkeYahoo Sports. Ao Tanaka’s stoppage-time equaliser against Liverpool was a defining moment, symbolising the team’s refusal to fade even when trailing lateSporting News+2. Leeds have also shown improvement in midfield structure and pressing intensity, with players like Anton Stach and Dominic Calvert-Lewin contributing significantly in recent matches. Their ability to disrupt opponents and strike quickly in transition has made them a far more dangerous side than earlier in the season.

Both teams have displayed contrasting but equally intriguing patterns in their recent fixtures. Liverpool continue to dominate possession and create high-quality chances, yet their defensive lapses—such as the penalty conceded by Ibrahima Konaté in the previous Leeds encounter—have cost them valuable pointsSporting News. Leeds, on the other hand, have been unpredictable but increasingly effective, earning points in matches where they were previously expected to struggle. Their draw with Liverpool and their strong home performances, including taking four points from two difficult fixtures, underline a team that is finding its rhythm at a crucial stage of the campaignYahoo Sports. This matchup therefore arrives at a moment when both sides have something to prove: Liverpool seeking stability, Leeds seeking validation.

Taking all recent form, tactical trends, and squad developments into account, this fixture promises intensity, goals, and momentum swings. Liverpool’s superior attacking depth and home advantage should give them the edge, but Leeds’ recent resurgence and their ability to trouble Liverpool’s defence cannot be ignored. Still, when weighing the balance of quality, consistency, and finishing power, the most reasonable expectation is that Liverpool will ultimately prevail. Our prediction for this match is a 3:1 correct score.

• Summary: Liverpool is going head to head with Leeds United starting on 1 Jan 2026 at 17:30 UTC at Anfield stadium, Liverpool city, England. The match is a part of the Premier League .
• Referee: Chris Kavanagh
• Liverpool Feedinco Rating: 6.86
• Leeds Feedinco Rating: 6.71