Liverpool FC Vs Leeds Utd – Match Day Preview
By Roy Skillen
The current pessimism amongst Liverpool FC fans is sickening. Despite coming off the back of our best performance of the season, and with Thiago Alcantara and Luis Diaz back in the match day squad the predictions for tonight’s trip to a struggling Leeds Utd all point towards another away loss. But there was so much from last weeks comeback against league leaders Arsenal that should have us all a little more excited about the future.
Top four is gone, we are all very aware of that fact. However, it seems this may have taken the pressure off Jurgen Klopp and the squad just a little and saw the gaffer make a couple of tactical tweaks that point towards positive planning for next season.
Trent Alexander-Arnold look re born in his new inverted full back role. Rather than getting high and wide at every possible opportunity the much maligned full back saw plenty of the ball in the centre of the pitch alongside Fabinho. This allowed his passing ability to shine through as he dictated play for much of the second half. But this wasn’t the only positive from the change in system. The fact that Trent wasn’t taking up his usual spot on the wing as we attacked meant Mo Salah had more space to work with. A move that saw the Egyptian have more touches of the ball in threatening areas than he has all season. Yes, he wasn’t at his best and didn’t take full advantage of the opportunities presented to him, but if this continues at Elland Road you have to think that Leeds will be in for a tough time.
And it wasn’t just on the attacking side that we looked much improved. With Arnold slotting in alongside Fabinho as defensive midfield pairing we were able to press from that area far more effectively and break up any potential counter attacks. It also saw us shift to a back three as we pushed forward allowing Ibrahima Konate to be better positioned as cover in the space that is so often targeted on our right hand side. Thiago Alcantara also looked to benefit from this more assured and balanced defensive unit and was super positive on the ball with the added bonus that he had to do less running.
Of course our away record is a shambles this season and yes Leeds beat us at Anfield. But any fan that is predicting anything other than a Liverpool FC win this time out needs to give their heads a wobble, as the reds will cruise to a comfortable 3-0 away victory.