Liverpool will be out to break a six-game winless run as they make the travels to Elland Road to lock horns with Leeds United on Monday night in the Premier League.
Jurgen Klopp’s men have endured a shaky spell of late but the Reds would have been delighted to salvage a 2-2 draw last time out against the league leaders Arsenal after being two goals behind.
A dire run of form could have brought to a much-needed end at Anfield against Mikel Arteta’s Gunners only for the Arsenal No.1 Aaron Ramsdale’s acrobatic excellence to deny the home side from scoring a late winner and picking up the win.
The Merseysiders face an uphill task in securing a top four finish this season and with just eight games left to play, Klopp would be counting on his players to return to their prolific best out there on the pitch.
Liverpool head into Monday’s contest at Elland Road sitting in eighth place in the league table and with Brighton and Aston Villa picking up win over the weekend, the Reds will be hoping to emulate those results to maintain their chances of qualifying for European football.
Klopp’s men have lost on home turf only once this term – to Leeds United in October but Leeds have not beaten Liverpool on their patch since the 2000-01 campaign.
Leeds, meanwhile, were handed a 5-1 drubbing by Crystal Palace in their most recent fixture with that result ensuring that they remain just over the relegation place in the 16th spot in the standings.
WHEN AND WHERE
Date: Monday 17 April 2023
Time: 8 PM GMT
Venue: Elland Road
TEAM NEWS
Alisson Becker and Ibrahima Konate were deemed to be injury concerns after the Arsenal clash but the duo are expected to be fit to make the XI for Monday’s clash against Leeds.
The long-awaited return of Luis Diaz could also be on the cards for Liverpool which would come as a major boost to Klopp’s attacking ranks which has failed to perform consistently this term.
A recall to the first XI is certain for the fit again Thiago Alcantara while club record signing Darwin Nunez could also make his way back into the starting team sheet at the expense of Diogo Jota.
Stefan Bajcetic and Naby Keita remain on the recovery table for Liverpool with both midfielders not likely to feature again in the remainder of the season.
KEY BATTLE
Patrick Bamford vs Darwin Nunez
Bamford scored a consolation goal for his side in the thumping defeat to Crystal Palace last time out and the former Chelsea striker would be key to Leeds’s chances of upsetting Liverpool.
The visitors are expected to issue a recall to Nunez and the Uruguayan forward will be hoping to deliver in front of the goal with Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah providing able company in the attacking third.
MATCH PREDICTION
Despite their underwhelming form of late, Liverpool are the strong favourites to leave Elland Road with the win.
Leeds United 0-3 Liverpool
