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Liverpool vs Leeds predictions: Van Dijk to inspire Klopp's men to win
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Simon Barlow
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Liverpool are unbeaten at Anfield this season
Liverpool are unbeaten at Anfield this season

- Liverpool have won four of their last five home games 
- Virgil van Dijk has scored in each of Liverpool's last two home games against Leeds 
- Recommended bet: Back Liverpool to win and Virgil van Dijk to score

Liverpool's bid to move up the Premier League table continues when Jurgen Klopp's side host relegation-threatened Leeds in Saturday's late Premier League game.

The Reds were rocked on the banks of the Trent last weekend, but looked much like their old selves when wiping the floor with Ajax in midweek.

A visit from the division's most out-of-form club is just what the Anfield faithful need right now as they attempt to understand the inconsistencies that have dogged their campaign so far.

Leeds boss Jesse Marsch has greater problems at the moment as he attempts to halt an eight-game winless streak by galvanising an injury-hit squad at a venue where his club last tasted success 21 years ago.

Team news

Liverpool's long-term absentees Diogo Jota (calf), Luis Diaz (knee), Joel Matip (calf) and Arthur Melo (muscle) are all still out while Naby Keita (muscle) is not yet fully up to speed after only recently returning to the training pitch.

Ibrahima Konate and Darwin Nunez came back into the matchday squad against Ajax in Amsterdam, but Thiago Alcantara missed out again as he recovers from an ear infection.

The Spain international might be able to feature in midfield alongside Jordan Henderson, who Klopp suggested would be fine after picking up a minor knock on Wednesday night.

Injuries are starting to pile up for Jesse Marsch
Injuries are starting to pile up for Jesse Marsch

Leeds have a lengthening injury list ahead of the Anfield clash with in Stuart Dallas (thigh) and Adam Forshaw (ankle) out.

Tyler Adams (muscle), Archie Gray (toe), Leo Hjelde (appendix), Luis Sinisterra (ankle), Joe Gelhardt, Rodrigo and Liam Cooper are all doubts for the trip to Merseyside.

Adams should have the best prospects among that number to make Marsch's starting line-up, while Patrick Bamford and Rasmus Kristensen are also pushing for recalls.

Crysencio Summerville will hope his late goal as a substitute in last weekend's 3-2 home defeat to Fulham is enough to earn a start.

Mateo Joseph, Sonny Perkins and Willy Gnonto are among the favourites to step up from Leeds' under-21 side to fill out places in the matchday squad.

The stats

Liverpool, who have not lost in front of fans at Anfield since 2017, are unbeaten in ten straight Premier League meetings with Leeds.

The Reds have not lost consecutive league games against sides in the relegation zone since 2012.

Mohamed Salah has been involved in six goals in two home Premier League appearances against the Whites, scoring five and assisting another.

Virgil van Dijk, who missed the target when it was easier to score against Nottingham Forest last weekend, has also scored in Liverpool's 4-3 and 6-0 home wins over Leeds in the past two seasons.

In stark contrast, Patrick Bamford has now missed nine big chances in just 391 minutes of top-flight football this season, more than any other Premier League player in 2022-23.

Only George Graham (10) and Howard Wilkinson (9) have endured longer winless sequences in the league than Jesse Marsch's current eight-match run.

Last weekend, Illan Meslier became the third-youngest goalkeeper in Leeds' history to reach 100 appearances (22 years, 235 days), behind only Gary Sprake in 1964 (19 years, 204 days) and John Lukic in 1981 (20 years, 345 days).

Prediction

Liverpool could not have hand-picked a better opponent against which to build up their confidence levels after last weekend's ugly setback against Nottingham Forest.

The Reds have enjoyed some breathtaking wins against the Leeds sides of former manager Marcelo Bielsa in recent seasons, scoring ten goals in the Whites' last two trips to Anfield.

There might be another hiding awaiting Marsch's men here with Salah back on song and Van Dijk out to make amends for his incredible miss at the City Ground last week.

Leeds still do not look particularly good at defending set-pieces so it is worth getting behind the Van Dijk to score and Liverpool to win, available at 8/1 with LiveScore Bet.

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LiverpoolLeeds UnitedPremier League
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