Liverpool vs Leeds United: Arne Slot’s Side Hoping to Start New Year with Fifth Win on the Bounce

Liverpool welcomes Leeds United to Anfield on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at 17:30 UTC (5:30 PM local time) in a Premier League clash, as Arne Slot's rejuvenated Reds aim to extend their impressive unbeaten run into the New Year.[1][2][5]

Match Preview and Form Guide

Liverpool, sitting 4th in the Premier League with 32 points from 18 matches (10 wins, 2 draws, 6 losses), boast a strong goal tally of 30 scored and 25 conceded, including 5 clean sheets.[3][4] The Reds are on a hot streak, unbeaten in recent outings with victories like 2-1 over Tottenham (Dec 20), 2-0 against Brighton (Dec 13), and 1-0 at Inter (Dec 9).[3] Forward Hugo Ekitike leads the attack with 8 goals and 3 assists in 17 matches, supported by Harvey Elliott (6.4 rating).[3][4]

Leeds United, in 16th with 20 points (5-5-8 record), have shown improvement, remaining unbeaten in their last few games: a 3-3 draw at Liverpool earlier (Dec 6), 4-1 win over Crystal Palace (Dec 20), and 1-1 at Sunderland (Dec 28).[3][4] Dominic Calvert-Lewin has 8 goals, with Ethan Ampadu picking up 4 yellows.[3] Despite the mid-table position (25 goals for, 31 against), Leeds' resilience could test Liverpool.[1]

Head-to-Head and Odds

The teams have met once this season, ending 3-3.[3] Historically competitive, this Merseyside-hosted fixture favors Liverpool. Betting odds list Liverpool as heavy favorites at -198 (a $198 bet wins $298 total), with Leeds at +506.[3] Sofascore community polls lean towards a home win.[1]

Key Storylines

• Slot's Liverpool seeks a fifth straight win to climb the table, chasing leaders Aston Villa (39 pts).[4]
• Leeds aims to build on draws against top sides like Liverpool and Chelsea (3-1 win Dec 3).[3]
• Watch for Ekitike vs. Leeds' defense, featuring Sam Byram (6.7 rating).[3]
• Live updates on scores, lineups, H2H, stats via Sofascore, FotMob, ESPN.[1][2][4]

Both teams enter with momentum—Liverpool's attacking flair meets Leeds' grit in this New Year's Day showdown at iconic Anfield.[5][6] (Word count: 298)