Title contenders Liverpool play host to an unpredictable Leeds United side in the Premier League, with the Yorkshire club crossing the Pennines for the match at Anfield.
Liverpool's unbeaten home record in the league was threatened, briefly, by Norwich last time out, before the Merseyside outfit put three past their visitors. Only hours later, Manchester City succumbed to a Harry Kane-inspired Tottenham, meaning that if Liverpool win this game in hand, the gap at the top of the table could close to just three points.
Meanwhile, it's been a season of uncertainty for Leeds. The Whites have failed to find a consistent run of form, and are just five points above Watford in the first relegation spot. However, Bielsa's side will still carry a threat, as they showed last time out, with a quickfire double of goals from Rodrigo and Raphinha against Manchester United though they eventually lost 4-2.
Liverpool and Leeds met at Elland Road in September for the reverse fixture, with Liverpool running out 3-0 winners in a game in which Mohamed Salah scored his 100th Premier League goal.
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Liverpool vs. Leeds at Anfield delivered a classic last season, a 4-3 win for Liverpool settled by a Salah penalty late on. While the home side will be the favorite going into this game, they'll be aware that their visitors certainly know how to pack a punch.
How to watch Liverpool vs. Leeds in the USA
- Date: Wednesday, Feb. 23
- Time: 2:45 p.m. ET
- TV channel: None
- Streaming: Peacock
The match will be streamed in the USA for subscribers of NBC streaming platform Peacock.
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Liverpool vs. Leeds predicted lineups
The only confirmed absences for Jurgen Klopp's side are Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota, meaning a front three of Salah, Sadio Mane and new signing Luis Díaz are likely to feature here after that same trio put Norwich to the sword.
Liverpool were able to rest first-choice fullbacks Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson as well as key midfielders Fabinho and Thiago in the game against Norwich. A return to the starting lineup for all four is likely to be on the cards. With no additional injury concerns, Klopp should be able to name a strong team for the game.
Liverpool projected lineup: Alisson — Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson — Keita, Fabinho, Thiago — Salah, Mane, Diaz
Marcelo Bielsa's team has been beset by injury problems this season, and that's still the case as they head to Anfield.
Thigh injuries will see Kalvin Phillips and Liam Cooper sidelined, while knee injuries rule out Sam Greenwood and Leo Hjelde. Frontman Patrick Bamford will also miss out, while Robin Koch suffered a nasty head injury against Manchester United, which could see him ruled out here.
Some consolation for the Argentinian manager will be the returns of Stuart Dallas and Junior Firpo to fitness, while Raphinha is likely to start after being used as an impact substitute in their previous game. With Leeds' relatively thin squad, and their number of absences, Bielsa's options will be limited.
Leeds projected lineup: Meslier — Ayling, Llorente, Struijk, Firpo — Forshaw, Dallas — Raphinha, Rodrigo, Harrison — James
Liverpool vs. Leeds betting odds and pick
Odds courtesy of DraftKings
It's hard to see past Liverpool, who have won their last seven league games at home, and their last eight in all competitions. To make matters worse for the visitors, they have lost six of their last nine.
With Bielsa's uncompromising attitude towards his team's approach, Liverpool's quick interchanges could disorient the away side's aggressive man-marking system, and Liverpool's high press could bear significant fruit against Bielsa's side. Leeds have also looked vulnerable from set pieces in recent weeks, an area that the home team will be sure to target.
However, Leeds showed last time out that they can never be counted out, and they could make life uncomfortable for Liverpool, but if the home side find their rhythm, they should have too much for the visitors. One thing is for sure — this game should see plenty of goals.
Pick: Both Teams to Score / Over 2.5 Goals (+110)
- Moneyline: Liverpool -575 / Draw +750 / Leeds +1400
- Spread: Liverpool -2.5 (+120) / Leeds +2.5 (-140)
- O/U 3.5 goals: Over -130 / Under +105
- Both teams to score: Yes -110 / No -115