Leeds United will face reigning champions Liverpool on December 6, after securing an impressive 3-1 victory over Chelsea earlier this week. This win has lifted Leeds out of the relegation zone, creating renewed optimism among fans. A successful home game against Liverpool could see Leeds climb to 16th place, five points clear of the bottom three.
Leeds’ Recent Performance and Tactical Adjustments
In their latest match against Chelsea, Leeds showcased a tactical shift that has revitalized their season. Manager Daniel Farke opted for a back three, featuring Pascal Struijk, Joe Rodon, and Jaka Bijol. This formation not only strengthened their defense but also provided a significant aerial threat during set pieces, with all three defenders measuring over 6’3” tall. The trio effectively neutralized Chelsea’s forward threats, allowing Leeds to capitalize on their own opportunities.
Goalkeeper Lucas Perri has maintained his position as the first choice, despite earlier struggles. His performance against Chelsea showed signs of improvement, contributing to a solid backline. The full-back duo of Jayden Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson has been pivotal, demonstrating exceptional stamina and a balance of defensive and attacking skills.
In midfield, captain Ethan Ampadu plays a crucial role by sitting deep and allowing Anton Stach and Ao Tanaka to push forward. This strategy was evident in Leeds’ recent matches, particularly when Tanaka scored a stunning goal against Chelsea from outside the box.
Up front, the combination of forwards Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha has proven effective. Despite being paired for the first time, they quickly established chemistry, scoring seven goals between them in the Premier League. Their hold-up play and aerial prowess have disrupted opposing defenses, a trend Leeds hopes to continue against Liverpool.
Injury Concerns and Predicted Lineup
Farke confirmed that there are no new injury concerns ahead of the clash with Liverpool. However, doubts remain about the fitness of Nmecha and Calvert-Lewin, both of whom sustained knocks in the match against Chelsea. Their availability is crucial to maintaining the effectiveness of Leeds’ 3-5-2 formation.
Leeds United’s predicted lineup for the match against Liverpool is as follows:
– GK: Lucas Perri
– CB: Jaka Bijol
– CB: Joe Rodon
– CB: Pascal Struijk
– RWB: Jayden Bogle
– LWB: Gabriel Gudmundsson
– CM: Ethan Ampadu
– CM: Ao Tanaka
– CM: Anton Stach
– ST: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
– ST: Lukas Nmecha
As Leeds gears up for this critical encounter, the focus will be on translating their recent form into a strong performance against a Liverpool side that has struggled in recent outings. With the potential to climb the league table, every point will be vital as the season progresses.
