Liverpool journey to Elland Highway to tackle Leeds because the Reds search to finish their barren run of 44 days with no win. Right here’s all that you must know.
Leeds vs. Liverpool
Premier League (30) | Elland RoadApril 17, 2023 | 8pm (BST)
Eight days on from Liverpool’s draw in opposition to Arsenal, they’re lastly again in motion.
The Reds confirmed promise within the second half as they got here from behind to attract in opposition to the league leaders, however extra dropped factors means qualification for any European competitors hangs within the steadiness.
A go to to relegation-threatened Leeds is up subsequent for Liverpool, who must raise the temper round Anfield.
1. Key gamers returning
After over two months out with a hip flexor damage, Thiago could possibly be in line to make his first begin since February 4.
The midfielder made an immediate affect when he got here on in opposition to Arsenal final weekend and Jurgen Klopp shall be hoping he can have an analogous impact from the beginning.
Luis Diaz might additionally return. He’s been out since October however, on Friday, Klopp stated: “He’s now utterly regular in coaching, now we’ve to reintegrate him.
“He shall be within the squad.”
2. Setbacks in coaching
Whereas there was excellent news for Thiago and Diaz, Klopp additionally delivered updates on the health of Ibrahima Konate and Alisson.
On the Frenchman, Klopp stated: “Ibou couldn’t prepare for 2 days, must be again [Friday] hopefully.”
The supervisor added an replace on Alisson: “Ali wasn’t concerned for 2 days, will prepare [Friday] individually.
“Little little bit of sickness right here and knocks there. We had a number of issues and hopefully, we won’t get extra.
“But when they’re all in, I feel we’ve 5 or 6 [fit] gamers not within the matchday squad. That’s so much.
“There aren’t any simple selections over who stays dwelling.”
3. Leeds in hassle
Leeds are struggling this season.
Jesse Marsch’s sacking in February grew to become inevitable however issues haven’t actually improved since.
The nadir of their season arguably got here final weekend after they misplaced 5-1 to Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace, and the Whites are actually dangerously near the relegation zone.
Wilfried Gnonto has missed the final two video games via damage however was on the bench in opposition to Palace. Ought to he begin in opposition to Liverpool, Luis Sinisterra and Brenden Aaronson are the 2 most probably names to drop out.
Tyler Adams stays out with a hamstring drawback.
4. A modified entrance three?
Regardless of lacking a few days of coaching this week, we might count on Alisson to begin in aim.
Konate’s damage standing is extra unsure and will present a possibility for Joe Gomez or Joel Matip to regain their place within the workforce.
Harvey Elliott didn’t play in opposition to Arsenal so might come again into the workforce alongside Fabinho and Jordan Henderson.
Thiago can be accessible and his presence will permit for extra rotation, with Henderson and Fabinho having performed plenty of minutes of late.
Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah are all match.
The latter must bounce again from his penalty miss in opposition to Arsenal, whereas Firmino shall be hoping his aim at Anfield final weekend is sufficient to regain his spot within the facet.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Thiago, Henderson; Salah, Nunez, Gakpo
5. 44 days with no win
By Monday, it would have been 44 days since Liverpool final received a sport of soccer – that being the historic thrashing of Man United.
The Reds weren’t capable of preserve the efficiency ranges proven at Anfield that day and have since performed 5 matches, shedding three then drawing two.
If Liverpool fail to beat Leeds, it could imply that there may have been a shorter hole between victories in opposition to Southampton (November 12) and Aston Villa (Boxing Day), regardless of there being a World Cup to separate these fixtures.
6. “They owe us 3 factors”
Again in October, Leeds inflicted Liverpool’s first Premier League defeat in entrance of followers at Anfield since 2017.
Klopp’s facet are out for revenge this time round and the supervisor expects a troublesome sport regardless of the opposition’s lowly place within the league.
“They owe us three factors,” Klopp stated. “It will likely be a giant battle, a large battle within the state of affairs Leeds is in.
“Their final sport [against Palace], these sorts of video games can occur. They’re really in a fairly good second however on this sport they acquired a correct knock.
“This stuff can occur, as a result of magic Roy is again. Palace are a extremely good workforce. It was a troublesome one.
“We count on them to be on their toes, a large battle, correct ambiance.
“It will likely be a troublesome one however we’ve to construct on two video games the place we have been good or in moments actually good. We’ll attempt to do this.”
7. A Monday evening
Whereas enjoying final means the Reds may have a clearer goal of what they should do – profitable can be useful for one – Monday evening fixtures are lower than perfect for supporters.
The match was moved for TV however now followers face a race in opposition to time with a view to catch the final prepare again from Leeds to Liverpool.
The journey is much from the furthest the travelling Reds must make over the course of a season, however it’s nonetheless a troublesome journey for individuals who are capable of get a ticket for Elland Highway.
8. Do you know?
Liverpool have scored in every of the final 9 visits to Elland Highway, a run prolonged to 18 matches dwelling and away.
That’s a membership file in opposition to the Yorkshiremen.
Leeds‘ win at Anfield in October ended Liverpool’s run of 81 video games unbeaten within the league at dwelling in entrance of a full home – and 85 with followers within the stadium.
Liverpool are but to attain an away league aim this season in opposition to any of the groups within the backside half going into this weekend’s fixtures.
9. Hopefully no elbows this week!
After the assistant referee who elbowed Andy Robertson final weekend, Constantine Hatzidakis, acquired away with simply an apology to the left-back, it’s secure to say the officers must be on high of their sport come Monday evening.
Craig Pawson is the referee, and his assistants are Marc Perry and Richard West.
Pawson has taken cost of Liverpool 34 video games instances throughout his profession however has by no means despatched one of many Reds’ gamers off.
He did, although, ship off Pascal Struijk on this fixture in 2021/22, for a foul on Elliott that stored the teenager out for many of the season.
The lead VAR is Tony Harrington.
10. Comply with the match with TIA
Leeds vs. Liverpool is stay on Sky Sports activities Premier League with kickoff at 8pm (BST).
TIA’s matchday stay weblog shall be up and operating from 7.15pm, with Sam Millne tasked with preserving you entertained and up-to-date.
Come on you Reds!
