This article details the upcoming Premier League match between Liverpool and Leeds United on New Year's Day. It highlights both teams' recent performances, key player absences, and historical data, offering a comprehensive preview of what promises to be an exciting football spectacle. The reigning champions Liverpool, currently on a four-match winning streak, will face a resilient Leeds United, who are unbeaten in their last five games. Both clubs will need to demonstrate significant squad depth and tactical flexibility to overcome key injuries and international duty call-ups, making this a pivotal early-year fixture.
Premier League Showdown: Liverpool Hosts Leeds United on New Year's Day
An electrifying Premier League clash is set to ignite Anfield on Thursday, January 1, 2026, as the reigning champions Liverpool welcome a tenacious Leeds United. The kickoff is scheduled for 17:30 GMT. This highly anticipated encounter will be officiated by Christopher Kavanagh, with Darren England overseeing VAR. The last meeting between these two formidable teams on December 6, 2025, ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw at Elland Road, setting the stage for another captivating battle.
Liverpool, under the guidance of Arne Slot, enters the new year with impressive momentum, having secured four consecutive victories across all competitions. Their recent 2-1 triumph over Wolves propelled them to fourth place in the league standings, maintaining a crucial five-point buffer over their European qualification rivals. Despite this strong form, the Reds face significant challenges with several key players unavailable. Dominic Szoboszlai returns from suspension, providing a much-needed boost in midfield. However, talismanic forward Mohamed Salah is away representing Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations. Long-term absentees include Alexander Isak (fractured leg), Giovanni Leoni (ACL), Wataru Endo (ankle), and Joe Gomez (hamstring). Additionally, Ibrahima Konate is precariously close to a one-match ban, being just one yellow card away.
Conversely, Daniel Farke's Leeds United arrives on Merseyside in equally fine fettle, boasting an impressive five-game unbeaten streak that has seen them climb seven points clear of the relegation zone. Their December campaign showcased their resilience, securing valuable draws against both Liverpool and Sunderland. Leeds, however, is not without its own personnel woes. A significant blow comes with the three-week absence of stalwart defender Joe Rodon due to an ankle ligament injury, necessitating a reshuffle of their backline, which is already missing Sean Longstaff and Daniel James. On a more positive note, Lukas Nmecha has made a timely return from injury, featuring as a substitute in their last outing. Farke may look to Sebastiaan Bornauw or Sam Byram to fill the defensive void at Anfield.
Historically, Anfield has been a fortress for Liverpool in this fixture, with the Reds losing only one of their last 17 Premier League encounters against Leeds. Furthermore, Liverpool has a stellar record on New Year's Day, winning five of their last six fixtures and remaining unbeaten in their last nine home games to kick off a calendar year. Arne Slot will be keen for Florian Wirtz to continue his creative masterclass, as the midfielder has contributed a goal or assist in his last two appearances.
Leeds United, meanwhile, has demonstrated remarkable consistency in January, going unbeaten in their last ten league matches played in the first month of the year (W6 D4). Their attacking prowess is currently spearheaded by Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who is enjoying a career-best run with seven goals in his last six matches. Should he find the net against Liverpool, he would become the first Leeds player since 1960 to score in six consecutive top-flight games. The Whites have also proven to be deadly from set-piece situations, having already matched their entire 2022-23 total of 12 set-piece goals.
Predicted lineups for the match are as follows: Liverpool's probable starting XI includes Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Ekitike. Leeds United's anticipated lineup features Perri; Bogle, Struijk, Bijol, Gudmundsson; Stach, Ampadu, Tanaka; Aaronson, Calvert-Lewin, Okafor. Football enthusiasts in the UK can catch all the live action on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage commencing at 17:00 GMT.
This New Year's Day encounter epitomizes the unpredictable and enthralling nature of the Premier League. Both teams' recent form suggests a high-octane affair, and the tactical adjustments necessitated by key absences will be fascinating to observe. It highlights the importance of squad depth and adaptability in modern football. For Liverpool, it's an opportunity to solidify their European aspirations and maintain their impressive home record. For Leeds, it's a chance to further distance themselves from the relegation zone and prove their mettle against one of the league's giants, potentially setting a new scoring record for their in-form striker. This match is not just about three points; it's about making a statement at the beginning of a new year.