Liverpool vs Leeds United: New Year Test as Slot’s Reds Look to Extend Momentum

Liverpool welcome Leeds United to Anfield on New Year’s Day knowing this fixture carries more weight than a typical festive encounter. With Arne Slot’s side finally climbing back into the top four, the challenge now is consistency — and Leeds have already shown this season they are more than capable of disrupting Liverpool’s rhythm.

The two sides played out a chaotic 3–3 draw at Elland Road in early December, Liverpool’s highest-scoring draw ever against Leeds, and that contest remains a clear warning. Slot’s team raced into a commanding position that afternoon before being dragged into a battle they failed to control. This time, with Anfield behind them, Liverpool will expect a more authoritative response.

Liverpool Building Confidence, but Still Searching for Control

Liverpool enter 2026 on a positive run. They have won their last three Premier League matches and are unbeaten in six, a stark contrast to the inconsistency that defined their autumn. Historically, New Year’s Day has been kind to the Reds too: they have won five of their last six league games on 1 January, and crucially have not lost a New Year opener at Anfield in nine attempts.

There are encouraging individual trends as well. Florian Wirtz, after a frustrating start to life in England, has begun to find his feet. Having failed to score or assist in his first 15 league appearances, the German has now registered a goal and an assist in his last two — his first run of consecutive goal involvements since late 2024 with Bayer Leverkusen. Liverpool will hope that marks a genuine turning point rather than a brief spark.

Cody Gakpo is another player with a notable New Year habit. He has scored in Liverpool’s opening league fixture of the last two calendar years, against Newcastle and Manchester United, and could join elite company if he makes it three in a row — something last achieved by Ian Rush in the mid-1980s.

Leeds Arrive with Belief, Not Fear

Daniel Farke’s Leeds sit 16th, but their position masks steady progress. With 20 points at the halfway stage, Farke believes his side are “on the right path” in the battle for survival. Leeds have also developed an impressive January record, going 10 league matches unbeaten in the month (W6 D4) — a run only Arsenal currently surpass across the top four divisions.

Injuries will test their flexibility. Joe Rodon, instrumental in the first meeting with Liverpool, is sidelined for several weeks, while Dan James and Sean Longstaff remain unavailable. Even so, Farke insists his squad can adapt, tactically and mentally.

“It’s a huge task,” he said. “But we were competitive in the first game, and that gives us belief.”

Leeds’ recent history at Anfield is mixed. They won here in October 2022, but have never recorded back-to-back league victories on Merseyside. Overall, they have won just one of their last 16 away league matches against reigning champions.

Tactical Questions for Slot

Slot’s main challenge will be rotation without disruption. With Alexander Isak ruled out long-term and Mohamed Salah away at AFCON, Liverpool’s attacking balance remains delicate. Hugo Ekitike has stepped up admirably, while Gakpo’s return adds another option either centrally or from the left.

In midfield, Slot must decide whether to persist with the recent pairing of Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch at the base, or reintroduce Alexis Mac Allister or Dominik Szoboszlai deeper to help Liverpool manage games more calmly — something that has been lacking against Leeds in recent meetings.

What to Expect

Liverpool have scored 19 goals in their last five league games against Leeds, but have also shown a worrying tendency to let control slip. Leeds, meanwhile, arrive without fear, armed with confidence from recent results and an impressive January pedigree.

For Liverpool, this is a chance to set the tone for the second half of the season. For Leeds, it is another opportunity to prove they belong at this level.

Kick-off: 17:30 GMT, Thursday 1 January
Venue: Anfield

A new year, familiar opponents — and a test of whether Liverpool’s upward curve is finally sustainable.