Liverpool and Leeds United are set to meet at Anfield on Thursday, January 1, 2026, in Premier League action. Both sides are heading into this New Year’s Day clash in contrasting form and with very different ambitions. Liverpool have put together a strong sequence.
They’ve won four of their last five matches across competitions. And they’re climbing into the top four of the Premier League. They’re approaching the match following a gritty 2-1 win against Wolves thanks to goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike.
Despite key absences due to injuries and international duty, (including Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak) and ongoing set-piece defensive issues, Liverpool’s attacking unit has found renewed rhythm under Arne Slot. They are now confidently pushing toward European places.
Meanwhile, Leeds United are arriving on the back of a five-game unbeaten run in league play. Most recently they managed a hard-earned 1-1 draw at Sunderland. It lifted them away from immediate danger at the bottom of the table. However, their away form remains a concern.
They have failed to keep a clean sheet on the road this season. This fixture also carries history. Liverpool have scored 19 goals in their last five Premier League meetings against Leeds. Though a 3-3 draw at Elland Road in December shows that the Whites can still breach Liverpool’s defence.
You can find more of our soccer predictions on our main picks hub. Here’s how we’re betting Liverpool vs Leeds United tonight, including our Best Bet, a Same-Game Parlay, and key trends to know.
Liverpool vs Leeds United Match Details
Competition: Premier League
Date & kickoff: Thursday, January 1, 2026 – 12:30 PM ET / 5:30 PM GT
Venue: Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England
Expected XIs: Liverpool 4-2-3-1 vs Leeds United 4-3-3
Best Bet for Liverpool vs Leeds United
Our best bet for Liverpool vs Leeds United is Hugo Ekitike to Score Anytime (-115) at FanDuel.
Backing Hugo Ekitike to score anytime is supported by both his current scoring form and his role as Liverpool’s focal attacking outlet. The French forward has been prolific since stepping into a leading role this season. He has netted 8 Premier League goals in 16 appearances for Liverpool so far.
With a high rate of finishing efficiency relative to his xG (4.77) and his goal involvement per 90 minutes (0.86) ranks among the best in the squad. Ekitike’s playstyle also suits Anfield’s attacking build-up and Liverpool’s transition tempo under Slot.
His intelligent positioning, physicality in the penalty area, and ability to convert high-quality chances from open play has been key for the Reds. He scored both goals in Liverpool’s recent 2-0 win over Brighton. And earned the Player of the Matchweek honours.
Moreover, Liverpool’s set-piece woes and squad rotation haven’t diminished him as a threat. Ekitike remains central to Liverpool’s attack whether starting or coming off the bench. Leeds are vulnerable on the road and they have a tendency to concede from transitions and open play.
Liverpool vs Leeds United Prediction
Our pick: Liverpool to Win at -190 (BetMGM) / -200 (FanDuel).
Liverpool’s short moneyline reflects their stronger overall quality, superior recent form, and dominant head-to-head record against Leeds. Liverpool have won four of their last five matches. This includes key league wins that have propelled them into a top-four position.
While Leeds have struggled to replicate their home form on the road. Both teams scored in the reverse fixture which ended in a wild 3-3 draw in December. Even so, Liverpool’s attack remains among the most potent in the league.
And their ability to control tempo at Anfield gives them a tactical edge. Leeds have been unbeaten in five. But, they have achieved much of that at home and continue to post defensive lapses in open play. It suggests that they are less likely to frustrate the hosts this time.
Taking Liverpool to win at short moneyline aligns with both competitions’ form metrics and the Reds’ head-to-head dominance. Liverpool have averaged 1.83 goals per game over their last six matches. And over 2.5 goals have featured in many Liverpool matches this season.
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Same-Game Parlay (Bet Builder) for Liverpool vs Leeds United
Bet $100 to Win $367.78 (FanDuel) Total Goals Over 3.5 (+164) + Hugo Ekitike to score anytime (-115) + Cody Gakpo to either score or assist (-110)
This parlay blends an expectation of multiple goals with key attacking contributions from Liverpool’s forwards Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo. Both sides have been involved in high-scoring games. The recent 3-3 draw between them exemplifies this.
And Liverpool’s last five meetings with Leeds produced 19 combined goals. It indicates that over 3.5 is a credible selection. Ekitike to score anytime is also a justified selection considering his mettle. And the inclusion of Cody Gakpo to either score or assist capitalises on his growing involvement in Liverpool’s offence.
While Gakpo has been injured for some time, he is still expected to generate chances and contribute to overall attacking flow. Especially when Liverpool create overloads in wide and central areas. Combined, this parlay aligns with a likely game script. Liverpool dictating possession with multiple goals.
This builder leans into the expectation of an open, entertaining New Year’s Day fixture with multiple goals and attacking returns for Liverpool’s forward players. Over 3.5 goals captures the tendency for this matchup to produce high-scoring outcomes, as seen in the recent 3-3 drawn.
It also includes their past head-to-head results. Ekitike’s goal threat and Gakpo’s chance creation or scoring involvement complement Liverpool’s broader offensive patterns. Thus, making this combination a logical, slightly more conservative version of the parlay above.
Over 2.5: -165 / Under 2.5: +120 Over 3.5: +150 / Under 3.5: -210
Over 2.5: -158 / Under 2.5: +128 Over 3.5: +164 / Under 3.5: -205
BTTS
Yes: -135 / No: -110
Yes: -138 / No: +108
Asian Handicap
Liverpool -1.25: +108 / -1.50: +135 Leeds United +1.25: -138
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Draw No Bet
Liverpool: -525 Leeds United: +320
Liverpool: -550 Leeds United: +390
Double Chance
Liverpool or Draw: -700 Leeds United or Draw: +145
Liverpool or Draw: -750 Leeds United or Draw: +150
Trends to Know for Liverpool vs Leeds United
Head-to-Head Momentum: Liverpool have scored 19 goals in their last five Premier League matches against Leeds, underlining the Reds’ attacking edge historically.
High-Scoring Meetings: The previous fixture between these sides ended 3-3 at Elland Road in December, hinting that neither defence has shut the other down completely.
Form Stability: Liverpool have won four of their last five games across competitions and typically score multiple times when Hugo Ekitike starts, with an average of two goals per match in his recent starts.
Leeds Road Struggles: Leeds have not won away to top-four teams recently and have yet to keep a clean sheet on their travels this season, suggesting defensive vulnerability.
Goal Volume: Both Liverpool and Leeds see a high percentage of their matches finish with over 2.5 goals; Liverpool’s recent matches demonstrate this trend, and Leeds’ overall scoring and concession pattern supports another open game.
Latest Injuries & Lineup News for Liverpool vs Leeds United
In soccer, injuries and rotations can drastically alter how a match plays out, especially when it comes to BTTS, totals, and goalscorer markets. Navigating through a few key injuries in this clash, both coaches will look to lineup their strongest XI. Here are the players who are either doubtful or are set to miss out:
Team
Player
Status
Notes
Liverpool
Wataru Endo
Out
Ankle
Liverpool
Joe Gomez
Out
Muscle
Liverpool
Alexander Isak
Out
Ankle
Liverpool
Giovanni Leoni
Out
ACL
Liverpool
Mohamed Salah
Out
International Duty
Leeds United
Joe Rodon
Out
Ankle
Leeds United
Sean Longstaff
Out
Calf
Leeds United
Daniel James
Out
Thigh
Reminder: Always check confirmed lineups 60–75 minutes before kickoff, especially for goalscorer and BTTS markets.
How to watch – quick Q&A
What time is Liverpool vs Leeds United?
Liverpool vs Leeds United kicks off at 3:15 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 1, 2026 (8:15 P.M. local UK time).
Where is the match being played?
The match will be played at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, England.
How can I watch on TV / stream?
Broadcast rights vary by territory. In the US, the Premier League can be telecast on NBC Network channels and Telemundo. In the UK, it will be telecast on Sky Sports. The match will also be available to stream on these broadcasters’ official websites.
Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.
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