Liverpool XI vs Leeds: predicted lineup, team news and injury update

Liverpool will welcome back Dominik Szoboszlai for their first Premier League fixture of 2026 as Arne Slot’s side host Leeds United at Anfield on Thursday evening.

The Hungarian midfielder returns after serving a one-match suspension during Saturday’s tense 2-1 home win over Wolves, having picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against Tottenham. His availability is viewed internally as a major boost, particularly with Leeds arriving in strong form and fresh in the memory after a dramatic 3-3 draw at Elland Road less than a month ago.

Szoboszlai has been one of Liverpool’s standout performers this season and is expected to return straight into the starting XI. His energy, pressing and goal threat have been central to Slot’s system, and his absence was felt against Wolves despite the three points.

With the 24-year-old back in contention, it is likely Federico Chiesa will drop back to the bench. Chiesa was handed a rare start at the weekend but has struggled for sustained minutes this season, with Slot continuing to prefer other options from the outset.

Cody Gakpo is fit again but has played only 10 minutes since the beginning of December, making another appearance from the bench the most likely scenario.

Liverpool remain without Alexander Isak, who is facing several months on the sidelines after suffering a fractured leg against Tottenham. The £125million summer signing has been a significant miss in recent weeks.

Mohamed Salah is away with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Wataru Endo and Joe Gomez are both still sidelined. Endo is recovering from an ankle injury, Gomez is dealing with a muscular issue, and Giovanni Leoni remains out with a long-term knee problem.

Slot is expected to stick largely with the core of his recent selections, though there is a decision to be made at right-back between Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley. Liverpool have won five of their last seven matches and head into the New Year sitting fourth in the Premier League table.

Leeds’ resurgence has added extra edge to the contest, with their attacking approach causing Liverpool problems in the recent draw in West Yorkshire.

Liverpool are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 system. Alisson should start in goal, with Frimpong or Bradley at right-back alongside Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk and Milos Kerkez in defence. Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones are likely to anchor midfield, with Szoboszlai returning in an advanced role alongside Alexis Mac Allister and Florian Wirtz. Hugo Ekitike is expected to lead the line.

The Premier League fixture kicks off at 5:30pm GMT on Thursday 1 January 2026 at Anfield. The match will be shown live on Sky Sports.

Liverpool face a demanding January schedule, making squad management critical over the coming weeks. A win over Leeds would strengthen their position in the top-four race and provide momentum heading into a congested run of fixtures. Slot will be keen to ease returning players back into rhythm while navigating continued absences in key areas.

Can Szoboszlai’s return give Liverpool the edge they lacked at Elland Road, or will Leeds once again expose gaps in Slot’s system?