Cody Gakpo Could Replicate Unique Ian Rush Milestone in Next Liverpool Match

Cody Gakpo stands on the brink of a rare achievement as Liverpool prepares to host Leeds United at Anfield on New Year's Day 2026. The Dutch forward could become the first Reds player since Ian Rush to score in Liverpool's first Premier League match of the year for three consecutive seasons[1][5]. Gakpo netted in the opening top-flight games of 2024 against Newcastle and 2025 versus Manchester United, and a goal against Leeds would match Rush's feat from the early 1980s[1].

The Premier League clash, set for 5:30pm on Thursday, January 1, pits fourth-placed Liverpool (10-2-6, 32 points) against 16th-placed Leeds (5-5-8, 20 points)[2][4]. Liverpool boasts a strong record against Leeds, losing just once in their last 13 league meetings (8 wins, 4 draws), with 19 goals in the last five encounters[1]. At Anfield, the Reds are unbeaten in their last nine New Year's Day openers (6 wins, 3 draws)[1]. Historically, the teams have met twice on January 1: Liverpool won 3-0 in 1991 (goals by John Barnes, Ronny Rosenthal, Ian Rush), while Leeds triumphed 2-0 in 1972[1].

Manager Arne Slot welcomes back Dominik Szoboszlai from suspension, a key boost after his strong season[4][6]. Gakpo, recently recovered from a strain with limited minutes, is fit but likely an impact substitute[4][6]. Predicted Liverpool XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Ekitike[3][4]. Absences include injured Endo, Gomez, Leoni, Isak, and Salah (AFCON)[4]. Top scorers: Hugo Ekitike (7-8 goals), Gakpo (4), Salah (4)[2][3][6].

Leeds, unbeaten in their last 10 January league games (6 wins, 4 draws), rely on Dominic Calvert-Lewin (8 goals)[1][2]. Predicted lineup (3-5-2): Perri; Ampadu, Bijol, Struijk; Bogle, Aaronson, Gruev, Stach, Gudmundsson; Calvert-Lewin, Nmecha[3]. Injuries sideline Rodon and Longstaff[6]. Liverpool have kept clean sheets in their last seven games' first halves and lead early scoring stats indirectly via form[1].

Curtis Jones ranks high in passes (83) and touches (98) per 90 minutes[1]. A win could solidify Liverpool's top-four push amid a five-win-in-seven run[4]. (298 words)