The 2026 Premier League calendar opens with a blockbuster at Anfield today, Thursday, January 1, 2026, as Liverpool hosts a rejuvenated Leeds United. The Reds are looking to solidify their grip on a top-four spot, while Daniel Farke’s Leeds side aims to extend an impressive unbeaten run that has seen them climb away from the relegation zone.
This match is a quick-turnaround rematch of the chaotic 3–3 draw at Elland Road just three weeks ago—a game that ended with a controversial post-match fallout and high drama.
Match Details
Competition: Premier League (Matchday 19)
Kick-off: 17:30 GMT / 12:30 ET / 20:30 EAT
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
Referee: Chris Kavanagh (VAR: Paul Tierney)
Broadcast: Sky Sports Main Event (UK) / Peacock (US)
Current Form: Top-Four Push vs. Yorkshire Resilience
Liverpool: The Slot Machine Clicks
Arne Slot’s men have found their rhythm, entering the new year on a seven-match unbeaten streak in all competitions. Their 2–1 win over Wolves on December 27 moved them into 4th place, three points clear of Chelsea. The summer addition of Florian Wirtz has proven transformative; the German playmaker has been Liverpool's standout performer during the festive period, scoring the winner in their last outing.
Leeds United: Hard to Beat
Leeds make the trip across the M62 in their best form of the season. They are currently on a five-match unbeaten run (W2, D3), which includes that thrilling draw against Liverpool and a victory over Chelsea. However, their away form remains a concern, with only one road win all season (against bottom-of-the-table Wolves).
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Liverpool Team News
The Reds are missing their talisman but welcome back a key engine in midfield.
Returnee: Dominik Szoboszlai is back after serving a one-match suspension.
Out (AFCON): Mohamed Salah is currently with Egypt in Morocco.
Injuries: Alexander Isak (broken leg), Joe Gomez (muscle), and Wataru Endo (ankle) are all sidelined.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Chiesa, Wirtz, Szoboszlai; Ekitike.
Leeds United Team News
Daniel Farke faces a defensive headache as his most consistent player is ruled out.
Out: Joe Rodon (ankle injury) missed a league game for the first time since 2023. Daniel James and Sean Longstaff are also unavailable.
Key Player: Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The former Everton striker is in the form of his life, having scored in six consecutive Premier League games.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Perri; Bogle, Bijol, Struijk, Gudmundsson; Ampadu, Stach; Aaronson, Tanaka, Okafor; Calvert-Lewin.
Head-to-Head: History at Anfield
While Liverpool has historically dominated this fixture, Leeds has a knack for producing "Anfield shocks."
Last Meeting: Leeds 3–3 Liverpool (December 6, 2025).
Historical Record: Liverpool 63 wins, Leeds 29 wins, 32 Draws.
The Calvert-Lewin Factor: DCL has scored in each of his last six games, including a goal in the reverse fixture against the Reds.
Tactical Breakdown: High Press vs. Red-Hot Striker
Arne Slot has implemented a more compact 4-2-3-1 recently to protect a defense that has looked vulnerable to set-pieces. Liverpool will look to dominate possession (averaging 60% this season) and use the creative freedom of Florian Wirtz to unlock the Leeds backline.
For Leeds, the plan is simple: feed Dominic Calvert-Lewin. With Rodon out, the partnership of Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk will be under immense pressure to withstand Liverpool’s high press, particularly the energy of the returning Szoboszlai.
Match Prediction
Anfield is a fortress on New Year’s Day—Liverpool hasn't lost their first game of the year at home in nine attempts. While Leeds and Calvert-Lewin are dangerous enough to find the net, Liverpool’s superior squad depth and the return of Szoboszlai should be enough to secure the win.
Final Score Prediction: Liverpool 3–1 Leeds United
