Liverpool are unbeaten in their last eight games against Leeds in all competitions (W6 D2), since a 1-2 defeat in April 2001 in the Premier League.
Leeds are without skipper Liam Cooper for the contest, leaving 21-year-old Struijk to start alongside debutant Koch in the middle of the defence. The German is the only debutant that Bielsa fields from the off, leaving Rodrigo on the bench from the off. Bamford leads the attack supported by Costa and Harrison on the flanks. Hernandez, Klich and Phillips form the midfield at Anfield.
Liverpool name a familiar line-up for the contest, starting arguably their strongest team. Alisson starts between the sticks ahead of the usual back four of Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Gomez and Robertson. Keita gets the nod to start with Henderson and Wijnaldum in the middle of the park. The potent front three of Salah, Mane and Firmino lead the line as ever for the hosts.
LEEDS UNITED SUBS: Ian Carlo Poveda-Ocampo, Ezgjan Alioski, Tyler Roberts, Kiko Casilla, Rodrigo Moreno, Jamie Shackleton, Oliver Casey.
LEEDS UNITED (4-1-4-1): Illlan Meslier; Luke Ayling, Robin Koch, Pascal Struijk, Stuart Dallas; Kalvin Phillips; Helder Costa, Pablo Hernandez, Mateusz Klich, Jack Harrison; Patrick Bamford.
LIVERPOOL SUBS: Fabinho, James Milner, Adrian, Curtis Jones, Takumi Minamino, Divock Origi, Joel Matip.
LIVERPOOL (4-3-3): Alisson; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson; Georginio Wijnaldum, Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita; Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane.
Leeds return to the Premier League for the first time since 2004. It has been a long wait for the Whites, but their Championship win last season was deserved. Marcelo Bielsa’s men have made a number of strong signings during the summer, adding Illan Meslier, Robin Koch and Rodrigo Moreno among others. Rodrigo is the club’s record signing and the Spaniard will be desperate to make an impact from the off in the Premier League.
Liverpool return for the 2020/21 campaign as the reigning champions following their romp to the crown last term for the first time in 30 years. Jurgen Klopp’s men will have to adjust to being the hunted side in the division in their bid to retain the title. The Reds have only added Kostas Tsimikas in the transfer window thus far. Therefore their squad has a familiar feel to it ahead of the new campaign and Klopp will be eyeing the perfect start by beating the newly-promoted Leeds.
Good afternoon and welcome to the live commentary of the Premier League clash between Liverpool and Leeds United at Anfield.
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