Liverpool vs Leeds United Preview

Good day fellow Reds! The season is once again upon us! This year, we take the pitch as the Reigning, Defending, Undisputed™ Champions of England! On Saturday, Leeds United make their first appearance in the Premier League in 16 years when they visit Anfield. The match kicks off at 12:30 EDT and can be seen on NBC. The weather will be a seasonable 60 degrees with mostly cloudy skies.

Injuries

Liverpool’s list of injuries is relatively unchanged from their Community Shield match. Hendo looks to be ready to go, however without a proper preseason and not much training, if we see the skipper it will probably be off the bench. Also slated to miss the match are Oxlade-Chamberlain with a knee injury, Shaqiri with a muscle injury, and newcomer Kostas Tsimikas with COVID-19.

Leeds is pretty much unscathed, with only Adam Forshaw out with a hip injury.

Did you know?

Liverpool look to extend their 59 match home unbeaten streak, and have won an astounding 25 out of the last 26 matches that have been played in front of the Kop. If James Milner features, it would mean he would have played in Leeds United’s last 31 Premier League matches – that was the club he broke in with before they were relegated. Mo Salah is looking for a record-tying fourth consecutive opening day goal, which would tie him with Teddy Sheringham. That’s a helluva feat for a “one season wonder.”

Lineup and Predictions

This might be one of the easiest lineups to predict in all of the now three seasons of this column. The only questions being asked are which three of the six or so midfield options start, and who partners Virg in the CB role. With that being said, here is how I believe the Champs look to lineup as we start the quest to attack this year’s title!

Alisson in net. Robbo on the left. Even though Gomez played in both of England’s matches, I still think he starts here over Matip. Our number four will be next to him. The PFA young player of the year (and my pick for the over all POTY) will be controlling things down the right side – welcome back Trent! Fabinho, Gini, and Milly will line up as the middle three. Although Naby would provide some speed and creativity here, I think Jurgen prefers him coming off the bench for now. I do see him as being our Most Improved Player during this campaign. The three men up front are (as always) Sadio, Mo, and Bobby.

The Reds open up the season with a big win 4-1. MOTM goes to Mo, as he starts off another “one year wonder” season.

Thoughts? Comments? Suggestions? Let me know in the comments, guys!

YNWA,

Hooch