Leeds United will be hoping to pull off a major upset when they make the trip to Merseyside to face Liverpool.
The Whites are currently enduring a difficult run of form and with a trip to Anfield to come this evening it does not get any easier for Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
Leeds have picked up just one point from their last four matches and in the three games since the resumption of the season, they have conceded 10 goals – a record they will need to change if they are to have any chance of a result this evening.
Meanwhile, opponents Liverpool have put themselves right back in contention for the Premier League title, as they can move to within just three points of Manchester City with a win.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are unbeaten at home in the league this season – which highlights the daunting task that faces Leeds.
Here is a look at three key battles that Leeds will need to come out on top in, to give them the best chance of winning.
Junior Firpo/Stuart Dallas vs Mo Salah
There are players all over the pitch in Liverpool’s team capable of hurting Leeds tonight but it is difficult to look beyond Mo Salah as their biggest dangerman.
Salah has 17 goals and nine assists in the Premier League this season, but his all-round game has arguably gone up another level in recent months.
Leeds are a team that Salah has enjoyed playing against in the last 18 months, as he netted a hattrick in this fixture last season and scored in the return match at Elland Road.
Whoever is tasked with playing at left-back this evening will need to ensure they are on top of their game defensively.
Adam Forshaw vs Thiago
After a difficult first season at Anfield, Thiago has started to show exactly why he was viewed as one of the best midfielders in the world when he signed for the club in 2020.
Thiago possesses the ability to dictate matches with his passing, as well as the footwork to play in tight areas, which makes him a nightmare for Leeds’ man-to-man marking system.
The 30-year-old ran the game in the return fixture back at Elland Road, and his introduction from the bench against Norwich City on the hour mark helped turn the game in Liverpool’s favour at the weekend.
Forshaw will need to ensure Thiago is not afforded the time and space to hurt Leeds with his passing or it could be a chastening evening for the Whites.
Raphinha vs Andy Robertson
Given his impact off the bench against Manchester United on Sunday, it is hard to see Raphinha not being recalled to the starting XI for the trip to Anfield.
The Brazilian undoubtedly remains the man most capable of creating something in attack for Leeds and he will need to be at his brilliant best if Bielsa’s side hold any hope of a result.
Raphinha, though, will have to make sure he is just as vigilant going the other way given the attacking threat Andy Robertson carries in this Liverpool side.
He has eight assists in the Premier League this season and so if Raphinha does not provide Luke Ayling with the necessary defensive protection, there could be trouble.
