Stadium: Elland Road (Leeds)
Remember how these teams opened last season? You definitely haven't seen a brighter opening. And now they will play their only match on Sunday in the EPL. How will their encounter turn out, in a goal shootout with a terrific denouement as in the first round or a dull draw as in the second?
Leeds United form
Leeds could not recover after a 1-5 blowout from Man United in the first round. In the next two league games, the Peacocks drew with Everton (2-2) and Burnley (1-1). There were no key losses in this dedicated team, though. But so far they are 17th in the standings and 1 point from the relegation zone.
Liverpool form
Liverpool started the season in their style, proving their good form with players recovered from long injuries. In the first round, the Reds routed Norwich (3-0), and in the second, they took on inconvenient Burnley (2-0). Liverpool hosted Chelsea before the break for the national team games. This time, like 6 months ago, Jurgen Klopp did not have squad problems. That is why they appeared in great condition. But Thomas Tuchel prepared his team well for the game and they managed to take away one point, holding on to a 1-1 draw in the penalty shootout. It seems that there will be more than two teams in the championship race.
Injuries and suspensions
- Leeds United: Klich, Firpo.
- Liverpool: Firmino, Milner, Minamino.
Head-to-head encounters
Leeds and Liverpool have played each other 117 times, the Reds in advantage (59-27). Last season they had a shootout of 7 goals, and the winner was Liverpool (4-3). In the second leg, it was an extremely low-key encounter that ended in a 1-1 draw. And Leeds evened the score almost at the very end of the game. Also, the last time Leeds beat Liverpool was 20 years ago, on 13 April 2001.
Key stats
- Liverpool won 7 of the last 8 away games;
- Leeds has a seven-match winning streak at home;
- Liverpool scored at least 2 goals in the last 5 away matches;
- Leeds hasn't been able to beat Liverpool for 10 matches.
Expert Betting Tips
The confrontation between Marcelo Bielsa and Jurgen Klopp will be very intriguing, which is why we shouldn’t expect many goals this time, as Liverpool's defense is now very reliable, and Marcelo Bielsa will again decide to play carefully. Therefore, there’s likely to be a draw with no more than 2.5 goals scored. Betway gives odds of 2.50 for this betting option.
We are also inclined to believe that the Reds will beat the Peacocks due to the reserve of strength at the start of the season. Plus, Leeds is stalled at the start of the season, which cannot but affect the mood in the locker room, as well as the chemistry, and apparently, the head coach doesn’t like it. That’s why you should consider Liverpool’s victory for 1.73 from Bet9ja.
In conclusion, the Peacocks will play more aggressively and dirty to stop Liverpool. 1xbet gives odds of 1.912 for the hosts to collect more yellow cards than the guests.
Other predictions
