Anfield awaits vengeance for Elland Road debacle
Anfield will undoubtedly be in high spirits as the Reds look to extend their three-game winning streak in the Premier League for the first time since September.
Awaiting them are Daniel Farke’s resolute Leeds side, who are unbeaten in five matches and eager to spoil the party, as they did in the reverse fixture at Elland Road four weeks ago.
A lesson in how not to manage a game after going 2-0 up, the holders capitulated in embarrassing fashion when Ao Tanaka fired in a 96th-minute equaliser to make it 3-3.
While Arne Slot’s side is still slowly moving through the gears, Leeds United pose as a test to see how far they have truly come in this period of upturning form. These are the players to watch on Thursday.
Florian Wirtz
Having finally broken his goalscoring duck against Wolves on Saturday, Liverpool’s superstar enjoyed a well-deserved moment in the limelight.
A consistent run of impactful performances meant it would only be a matter of time before Wirtz exorcised his demons.
Intricate, silky, and dynamic on the ball, the German playmaker has begun to unlock defences in England’s top flight after finally getting up to speed with its rigorous nature.
If Liverpool are to maintain this form, Florian Wirtz will be key as they look to climb the table.
Jeremie Frimpong
Another former Bayer Leverkusen player who is desperate to rediscover his form is the Dutch right back.
Making his first Liverpool start since September, he showed the Kop what they were missing after producing a brilliant cut-back assist for Ryan Gravenberch, who fired past Jose Sa.
His explosive burst of pace was enough to beat Joao Gomes before making it to the touchline, and his slick assist is one that any right winger would be proud of.
One right winger who may not be happy is Mohamed Salah, who is away at the AFCON, but Frimpong’s versatility offers some respite for Slot on the right flank, which has been lacking potency.
Curtis Jones
The outstanding form of Curtis Jones has threatened Alexis Mac Allister’s place in the side, especially once Dominik Szoboszlai returns.
While the Argentine has often played further forward, his pass completion of just 84% pales in comparison to Jones’ 91%.
The Englishman’s take-on success rate of 65% highlights what he brings to the team, as Mac Allister’s 29% merely signifies a massive drop off in form from last season.
With the World Cup on the horizon, cementing his place in Liverpool’s midfield will certainly catch the eye of Thomas Tuchel, who is yet to finalise his midfield personnel.
Leeds' Player to Watch: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
On Sunday, Calvert-Lewin netted his sixth consecutive Premier League goal and is currently on the longest scoring run by an Englishman since Jamie Vardy in 2019 (8).
Leeds’ number 9 has already made Liverpool’s lives a misery this season after converting a penalty to begin their fightback in the reverse fixture.
The former Evertonian will undoubtedly be looking to extend his record, and his aerial threat from set pieces should not be ignored.
Liverpool’s habit of letting teams get back into games this season has cost them dearly, and it only takes a man in red-hot form to bring down the curtain.