Premier League Tips – Leeds v Liverpool
Monday Night Football
After prevailing in a seven-goal thriller in their previous Premier League clash at Anfield back in September, Liverpool travel to face Leeds at Elland Road on Monday evening. Following a 16-year exile from England’s top flight, Leeds have been a breath of fresh air and a real surprise package. With seven games left to go for both sides until the end of the season, Leeds – who are currently 10th in the table – are still on course for a top-half finish.
In stark contrast, Liverpool are poised to be usurped as champions by Manchester City after an extremely disappointing title defence. Jurgen Klopp’s side are still clinging onto the hope of qualifying for the Champions League next term, but as far as this campaign is concerned, they will end it trophyless.
Leeds v Liverpool is usually a goal-fest, but read on to find out how we think this game could unfold.
Marcelo Bielsa has reinvigorated Leeds
Leeds have been electrifying to watch in the Premier League this term. Although they have shipped 49 goals at the time of writing, Marcelo Bielsa’s men have produced a vibrant and exciting brand of football, and they appear to be fearless. Earlier this month, they stunned Manchester City 2-1 at the Etihad, and they have fared well against the division’s big boys this term, beating Leicester City 3-1, and holding Chelsea to a draw.
While Patrick Bamford has led the way for The Whites with 14 Premier League goals to his name, he has been well supported by the likes of Jack Harrison and Stuart Dallas, who have both chipped in with seven. Raphinha, meanwhile, who has netted six times, has supplied six assists, and he has provided Leeds with some much-needed cutting edge going forward.
In what has been a strange season without crowds at games, Leeds have been undeterred, and they have shaken things up.
Liverpool looking forward to pressing reset button
For Liverpool, this has been a season they will want to forget in a hurry. After going 68 games unbeaten at Anfield, their long run was halted by Burnley. They then went on to lose a further five games on the trot which more than raised a few eyebrows. Whether there has been a lack of motivation or not is unclear. But the usual high standards they set for themselves, have dropped more than most fans would have expected.
At the time of writing, Liverpool occupied sixth spot, and they are just three points adrift of fourth-placed West Ham. Mohamed Salah has continued to produce the goods, weighing in with 19 league goals, but the intensity that has been evident over the past few seasons, has been missing.
Nevertheless, Liverpool boast a good record against Leeds. Although Leeds will be buoyed by their recent victory over City, Liverpool have started to get their act together. Despite being knocked out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage by Real Madrid, the Reds have won three league games on the trot, including a convincing 3-0 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates earlier this month.
In his column for BBC Sport, former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson predicted Liverpool would win 2-1, and it would be an open game. He said: “I can see Liverpool getting some opportunities on Monday, but Leeds will too. Marcelo Bielsa’s side have had a brilliant season, and it’s such a shame so few people have got to go to any of their games.”
Whatever happens, Leeds v Liverpool is simply unmissable, and this match will be worth bringing out the popcorn for! CasinoWings.com will have odds and markets for you to check out.
Verdict: Liverpool to win at 4/6.