Liverpool XI vs Leeds: Team news and Possible lineup Ao Tanaka, Ethan Ampadu and Anton Stach start as Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha decision made…

Leeds Predicted Lineup vs Liverpool for

After an impressive 3-1 win against Chelsea midweek, Leeds United now set their sights on the reigning champions, Liverpool, who have managed only one victory in their last four league matches.

The Whites have climbed out of the relegation zone, bringing renewed optimism, and a home win against Arne Slot’s team could elevate them to 16th place, five points clear of the bottom three.

Leeds Predicted Lineup For Home Clash vs Reigning Champions Liverpool.

How Leeds Have Lined Up Recently

Brazilian goalkeeper Lucas Perri continues to be Daniel Farke’s preferred choice in goal, despite facing some challenges this season, and the 27-year-old appeared to gain confidence during the match against Chelsea.

In front of him, a tactical adjustment saw United adopt a back three consisting of Pascal Struijk, Joe Rodon, and Jaka Bijol, all of whom performed exceptionally well against the Blues.

With each defender towering over 6’3”, the Whites posed a significant threat during set pieces and restricted opportunities for opposing forwards Liam Delap and Joao Pedro.

Farke has consistently utilized the reliable duo of Jayden Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson at full-back throughout the season, and they excelled as wing-backs in the recent match.

Both defenders exhibit remarkable stamina, defensive intelligence, and offensive capabilities, making them arguably the most crucial players on the team.

In the midfield, captain Ethan Ampadu played a deeper role, supported by Anton Stach and Ao Tanaka, who positioned themselves slightly ahead.

Ampadu’s skill in neutralizing opposing attackers allowed his midfield partners the freedom to advance and apply pressure, which enabled Tanaka to net Leeds’ second goal with a precise strike from outside the box.

At the forefront, the manager chose to deploy two traditional centre-forwards, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha, whose hold-up play and aerial prowess wreaked havoc on the opposing defense.

Despite having only played together for the first time, the strikers formed an excellent partnership, and they have now netted a total of seven goals in the Premier League.

Leeds Recent Form and Tactics

When Leeds found themselves 2-0 down against Manchester City on November 30, Farke opted to make a tactical change in the second half, abandoning his typical 4-3-3 formation in favor of a more direct 3-5-2 setup.

The impact was immediate, as both Nmecha and Calvert-Lewin quickly found the back of the net, putting Pep Guardiola’s previously dominant City under significant pressure.

Although they ultimately did not secure a result from that match, their impressive second-half display demonstrated that the direct, physically robust approach of the 3-5-2 was the right path forward, which they continued to employ against Enzo Maresca’s team.

This tactical adjustment resulted in Leeds recording the lowest possession percentage of Farke’s tenure, at just 29%, yet his team was still in control.

They managed 16 shots compared to their opponent’s 11, achieved an expected goals (XG) figure of 2.82, and consistently pressured the Blues’ defense, highlighted by substitute Noah Okafor intercepting the ball from Tosin before his shot deflected to Calvert-Lewin for an easy tap-in.

Leeds Absences to Consider

Farke mentioned that there were no new injury issues ahead of the Liverpool match, with Sean Longstaff and Daniel James both remaining sidelined due to long-term injuries.

However, there is some uncertainty regarding forwards Nmecha and Calvert-Lewin, both of whom picked up knocks against Chelsea. Their presence is crucial to Leeds’ 3-5-2 formation, so if either is unable to start, it would be a significant setback.

Leeds United Predicted Lineup

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