The first assignment of 2026 for reigning Premier League champions Liverpool was a home game against Leeds United on New Year’s Day. Remarkably, just 26 days had passed since these two teams produced one of the games of the season, a thrilling 3-3 draw at Elland Road, in addition to an explosive post-match interview from Mohamed Salah.
However, the clash at Anfield paled in comparison as Liverpool were left frustrated by a stubborn United side while the draw sees the visitors open up a seven-point gap over the relegation zone. With Chelsea and Manchester United being held to draws at home on Tuesday by Bournemouth and Wolves respectively, Liverpool were presented with an opportunity to tighten their grip on fourth by moving five points clear.
A further incentive for Arne Slot’s side was to close the gap on third-placed Aston Villa to four points following their defeat to league leaders Arsenal. Liverpool couldn’t find a breakthrough against a stubborn Leeds defence and breathed huge sigh of relief when Dominic Calvert-Lewin was denied a winner by the offside flag. Follow Liverpool vs Leeds back below with Standard Sport's dedicated match blog!
Liverpool vs Leeds latest news
- NO GOAL! Calvert-Lewin effort ruled out for offside
FULL TIME!
19:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneLiverpool 0-0 Leeds
First game at Anfield in 2026 ends goalless as Liverpool fail to take advantage of Chelsea and Manchester United dropping points.
Huge result for Leeds in their battle against the drop.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
19:23 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90+5 min: Into the final minute of stoppage time, will there be a winner?
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
19:22 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90+4 min: Strong and direct running from Ekitike straight through the middle of Leeds, he wins a corner and calls for more noise form the Anfield faithful but the set-piece delivery is poor.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
19:20 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90+2 min: Chiesa penalty appeal waved away as Leeds bring on Tanaka for Gruev. He scored the equaliser in the meeting last month so Liverpool have been warned.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
19:19 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90 min: SIX minutes of added time as Stach slices an effort wide.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
19:17 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne89 min: Leeds win a free-kick thanks to a rash tackle from Kerkez. Chance to slow the game down and get up the pitch.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
19:15 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne87 min: Calvert-Lewin thought he had broken the deadlock at Anfield.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
19:12 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne84 min: Ngumoha replaces Frimpong. Final roll of the dice from Liverpool.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
19:12 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne83 min: Injury concern for Leeds as Bornauw is replaced by Bogle before Van Dijk is forced to make a timely clearance underneath his own crossbar.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
19:09 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne81 min: Leeds are growing into this game, perhaps sensing a goal. Ampadu’s long throw causes chaos before Calvert-Lewin thinks he has broken the deadlock.
Goal is ruled out for offside. VAR to check.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
19:08 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne79 min: Further change for Liverpool as Chiesa takes the place of Bradley. This will see Frimpong drop to right-back, allowing the Italian to operate as the winger.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
19:06 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne77 min: Ampadu launhches a long throw into the box and two Liverpool players attack the ball to concede the corner. Chance for Leeds to keep up the pressure from another set-piece but Aliison punches clear and Reds deal with the danger.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
19:04 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne75 min: Anfield crowd urging Liverpool on as Gakpo has a shot blocked before Bradley nudges Gudmundsson in the box and gives away a free-kick.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
19:02 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne74 min: Ekitike finds space just outside the area but lashes a shot wide. If there’s a Liverpool player who can conjure up something special, it’s the Frenchman.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
18:59 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne71 min: As you expect for a former Everton striker, Calvert-Lewin’s introduction is met with boos from the Liverpool supporters. Can he have the last laugh?
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
18:58 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne70 min: CHANCE! Van Dijk wriggles free to met Szoboszlai’s corner but the Liverpool captain heads wide.
Leeds respond with a double change as Calvert-Lewin and Okafor replace Aaronson and Nmecha.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
18:54 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne66 min: Triple Liverpool change.
Gakpo, Kerkez and Mac Allister replace Wirtz, Robertson and Jones.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
18:52 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne64 min: Liverpool build down the right and Frimpong’s pace gives him the edge, his cross takes a deflection but the ball falls kindly for Ekitike though the Frenchman can’t get a shot away.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
18:50 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne62 min: Wirtz sends his free-kick into the wall.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
18:49 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne60 min: Sense of frustration inside Anfield as Ekitike is flagged offside. The Liverpool striker is then tackled by Ampadu on the edge of the box before Szoboszlai has a shot saved by Perri.
From the rebound, Ampadu is penalised for handball and Liverpool have a free-kick.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
18:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne57 min: Van Dijk is penalised for a foul on Nmecha and this is a chance for Leeds to pump the ball into the box, but Liverpool deal with the danger.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
18:43 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne55 min: Bradley’s perseverance almost results in a Liverpool goal, instead it’s a corner which is played short before Szoboszlai clips in a lovely cross that is dealt with at the back post.
Liverpool can keep the pressure up as Bradley’s shot is deflected behind for a corner.
Leeds defend that well too and the game is paused for Justin to recover after being winded.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
18:39 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne51 min: Bradley overruns the ball and goes crashing into Struijk before Gravenberch is left in a heap on the ground after making a clearance. Both Liverpool players are fine to carry on.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
18:34 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne46 min: Liverpool look to attack straight away but a poor decision from Wirtz when in a good position in the box sees the attack break down.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
18:33 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneYou have to go all the way back to April 1999 for the last goalless draw between Liverpool and Leeds United.
KICK-OFF
18:33 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBack underway at Anfield. No changes for either side during the interval.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
18:28 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneFear not, it was goalless at Elland Road when the two sides met last month and the second half provided a thriller.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
18:23 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe only argument for Ekitike here is the ball came at him too quickly?
How has Hugo Ekitike missed from there? 🫨 pic.twitter.com/DwipZpyOXF
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 1, 2026
HALF TIME
18:18 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneLiverpool 0-0 Leeds
Visitors will be the happier of the two sides as they’ve limited Liverpool to very little and could have taken the lead through Ethan Ampadu.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
18:16 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne45 min: Frimpong wins a corner for Liverpool after doing well to keep Konate’s long pass in play. Two minutes of added time signalled so this could be the last chance of the half.
Corner reaches Wirtz at the back post but the German lacks composure and slices an effort well wide.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
18:13 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne43 min: Szoboszlai is back up on his feet to swing in a Liverpool free-kick, Van Dijk rises highest to meet the delivery but can’t keep his header down and Leeds survive.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
18:11 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne41 min: Szoboszlai is struck in the face, accidentally by Stach, and the Liverpool midfielder requires treatment as the game is briefly paused.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
18:06 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne36 min: Not quite sure what Ekitike was thinking there. He had an open net to aim at but messed up his finish.
Blistering pace from Frimpong out wide, he cuts the ball back for Wirtz who thinks he has all the time in the world only to see Justin close the door on a chance.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
18:03 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne33 min: CHANCE! Fantastic cross from Frimpong picks out Ekitike in the middle, you are expecting the net to ripple but the Liverpool forward heads the ball right at Perri.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
18:02 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne32 min: Alisson almost gifts Leeds the opening goal as his clearance falls straight to Ampadu but the midfielder’s effort lacks any pace and the Liverpool keeper breathes a huge sigh of relief.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
17:59 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne29 min: Frimpong is Liverpool’s most dangerous attacker and takes Gudmundsson on the outside and wins a corner, he thinks it should have been a free-kick for a push but corner is the decision.
Hosts can’t make the most of the set-piece as Leeds defend well and then catch Robertson offside.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
17:57 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne27 min: Brave challenge from Bradley at the back post following an Ampadu throw-in as he stoops to make a clearance and meets the boot of Nmecha for his troubles.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
17:55 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne26 min: The best chance of the half so far.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
17:51 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne21 min: Jones with an effort from range but his shot takes a deflection which makes the save easier for Perri.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
17:49 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne20 min: Leeds struggling to get out of their own half, not able to keep the ball for longer than five seconds either.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
17:47 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne17 min: Break down in communiciation between Jones and Ekitike sees the former put the ball out of play for a Leeds throw, though the visitors lose possession immediately and Liverpool are back on the attack.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
17:44 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne14 min: After a positive start from Leeds, Liverpool have taken control of the match. Hosts are winning the second balls and pushing Leeds back.
Ekitike does well to hold off a challenge and the ball falls for Wirtz whose effort is blocked.
Fair play to Ekitike for not going down as he would have been awarded a penalty.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
17:41 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne11 min: Edgy defending from Leeds as they nearly make a complete mess of some routine defending. Ekitike’s effort lack power but Perri fumbles the shot into an area where Wirtz was lurking.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
17:38 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne8 min: First sighting of Ekitike this evening as he nearly slips past several Leeds players but his tackled cleanly inside the area.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
17:36 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne6 min: Not the best defending from the set-piece by Liverpool and Leeds are able to win another corner after some quick thinking by Bornauw reacting to the loose ball.
Delivery is good but Allison deals with the danger once again as the knock down just evaded Ampadu’s stretch.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
17:34 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne4 min: Nmecha gives Van Dijk an early glimpse of what’s in store this evening as he pinches the ball and knocks the Liverpool captain off balance.
Leeds then threaten out wide and Konate is forced to put the ball behind for a corner. Good start from the visitors.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
17:32 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne2 min: Some early defending for Liverpool to do after Bradley concedes a free-kick in a dangerous position but Alisson deals with the set-piece by punching the ball clear.
KICK-OFF!
17:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWe are underway an Anfield.
Can Liverpool make it four wins in a row and cut the gap to Aston Villa?
HERE WE GO!
17:26 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe teams are out at Anfield.
The first fixture of 2026 for Liverpool and Leeds will be underway shortly!
Liverpool dressing room
17:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBehind the scenes at Anfield as Liverpool’s dressing room is prepared ahead of kick-off.
Liverpool youngsters who could save club millions in 2026
17:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArne Slot has not been able to hand out as many opportunities as he perhaps would have liked to Liverpool’s academy players this season.
A downturn in results has meant the Reds boss has been careful to shield the club’s youngsters from criticism.
However, with Liverpool seemingly having turned a corner, the new year could present fresh opportunities.
Here, Standard Sport takes a look at three Liverpool youngsters to keep an eye on in 2026...
Kick-off approaching on Merseyside
17:15 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne15 minutes to go until kick-off at Anfield.
Leeds incentive
17:10 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneUnited arrive at Anfield unbeaten in five and six points above the drop zone. If Daniel Farke's side can pull off a surprise win this evening, perhaps they can start to look at a top half finish instead of worrying about relegation.
As it stands
17:05 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneSo, victory for Liverpool will create a buffer between them and both Chelsea and Manchester United after they were held to draws by Bournemouth and Wolves respectively on Tuesday.
That said, the Reds will be looking up and while a title challenge seems unrealistic at this stage, third-placed Aston Villa are well within reach and they can cut the gap on Unai Emery's side to four points.
Team news reminder
17:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHere is how both teams will line-up today.
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Konate, Robertson; Jones, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Frimpong, Ekitike, Wirtz.
Substitutes: Mamardashvili, Kerkez, Mac Allister, Chiesa, Gakpo, Ramsay, Nyoni, Ngumoha, Lucky.
Leeds United XI: Perri; Gudmundsson, Ampadu, Struijk, Aaronson, Nmecha, Bijol, Stach, Bornauw, Justin, Gruev.
Substitutes: Darlow, Bogle, Calvert-Lewin, Piroe, Okafor, Harrison, Tanaka, Byram, Gnonto.
Liverpool tipped to make audacious transfer swoop for Arsenal defender
16:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneLiverpool have been told to launch a bold move for Arsenal star defender Jurrien Timber.
Timber has established himself as a key part of Mikel Arteta's defence, playing at both right-back and centre-back, to help the Gunners' cement themselves as Premier League title favourites.
Liverpool, the reigning champions, meanwhile have struggled for consistency all season, especially at the back having already shipped 26 goals in 18 games. Captain Virgil van Dijk appears a shadow of his former self, while Trent Alexander-Arnold’s exit continues to be keenly felt.
And Timber, who missed Arsenal's 2-1 win over Brighton with an injury, has been highlighted as an answer to Liverpool's defensive woes.
Salah latest
16:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneOne of several Liverpool absentees this evening is Mohamed Salah. The forward is currently away at the Africa Cup of Nations and will not be returning any time soon.
Salah's Egypt side have reached the round of 16 and will face Benin on Monday. Barring a shock result, the 33-year-old will also miss Liverpool's trip to the Emirates next week.
Click here for the AFCON latest!
Premier League results
16:45 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneTuesday night was a busy day in the Premier League with six fixtures taking place, producing results that have suited Liverpool and Leeds.
Burnley 1-3 Newcastle
Chelsea 2-2 Bournemouth
Nottingham Forest 0-2 Everton
West Ham 2-2 Brighton
Arsenal 4-1 Aston Villa
Manchester United 1-1 Wolves
Leeds changes
16:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneOne look at the Leeds team and your eyes will be drawn to the fact that in-form striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is named on the bench.
Daniel Farke has made a total of four changes from the draw against Sunderland as Lukas Nmecha is among those handed a start.
Liverpool changes
16:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe return of Dominik Szoboszlai after suspension is one of three changes to the Liverpool side that started the win over Wolves last time out.
Conor Bradley and Andy Robertson get the nod at full-back as Milos Kerkez and Federico Chiesa make way.
Alexis Mac Allister also drops down the bench.
Leeds team in full
16:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneLeeds United XI: Perri; Gudmundsson, Ampadu, Struijk, Aaronson, Nmecha, Bijol, Stach, Bornauw, Justin, Gruev.
Substitutes: Darlow, Bogle, Calvert-Lewin, Piroe, Okafor, Harrison, Tanaka, Byram, Gnonto.
Liverpool team in full
16:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneLiverpool XI: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Konate, Robertson; Jones, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Frimpong, Ekitike, Wirtz.
Substitutes: Mamardashvili, Kerkez, Mac Allister, Chiesa, Gakpo, Ramsay, Nyoni, Ngumoha, Lucky.
CONFIRMED LEEDS TEAM NEWS
16:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAnd lining up for the away side...
📋 Your #LUFC XI... pic.twitter.com/xwZlHWK3Tb
— Leeds United (@LUFC) January 1, 2026
CONFIRMED LIVERPOOL TEAM NEWS
16:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHere is the first Liverpool starting XI of 2026...
Lining up for the first time in 2026 💪 #LIVLEE
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 1, 2026
Liverpool vs Leeds live - team news imminent
16:10 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe teams will be announced shortly!
Stay tuned...
Around the grounds
16:05 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThis is one of four Premier League fixtures today with a couple of London derbies taking place, in addition to title-chasers Manchester City seeking a response to Arsenal.
Crystal Palace vs Fulham
Liverpool vs Leeds
Brentford vs Tottenham
Sunderland vs Man City
Last time at Anfield
16:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneLeeds have not played at Anfield since October 2022 and they were victorious on that occasion as Crysencio Summerville's late goal ensured Liverpool lost more ground on the top four.
Good omens
15:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWhen these two sides meet, goals and entertainment are guaranteed!
⏪ Rewind: Liverpool pic.twitter.com/qgBLjEsbdS
— Leeds United (@LUFC) December 30, 2025
Calvert-Lewin is on fire
15:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneDominic Calvert-Lewin grabbed his seventh goal in six games for Leeds in their 1-1 draw against Sunderland last time out.
The draw preserved United's unbeaten run and the striker says his form his down to enjoying his football.
“A good moment at the minute,” he said. “The timing is good and I think as a team we are gelling a bit more and things are going well for us.
“I think you can make those runs as a centre forward and sometimes the ball doesn’t find you when you are in a bit of a dry spell but you have just got to keep doing it and hope that the tide will turn.
“I think it has for me at the moment and I am feeling good, feeling fit, strong and enjoying playing with the lads.
“Lots of ups, lots of downs, you know, tests of character and I have hung in there and kept going and kept pushing back myself, and here I am now.”
Predicted Liverpool XI
15:45 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneIt is likely that Federico Chiesa, who got a rare start against Wolves, will drop back to the bench.
Chiesa has struggled for minutes this term and, though he has impressed in small cameos, you sense that Arne Slot has never fully trusted him as a starter.
Cody Gakpo is fit again but has only had ten minutes of football since the beginning of December, so is likely to be used as an impact substitute once more.
Slot faces a decision between Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley at right-back.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Ekitike.
Liverpool January transfer window guide
15:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneLiverpool’s £446million summer spending was the most ever spent by a British club in a single transfer window, but they might need to go again in January.
Arne Slot is down to the bare bones in attack, with Alexander Isak ruled out for a few months with his broken leg and Mohamed Salah away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Liverpool can still spend after recouping over £200m from player sales.
January is often a difficult market but it does present an opportunity for the Reds to strengthen as they bid to build on their recent upturn in form.
Today's settings
15:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneNew year, same iconic stadium.
Liverpool vs Leeds latest match odds
15:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneLiverpool to win: 1/2
Leeds United to win: 9/2
Draw: 13/5
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
Head to head (h2h) history and results
15:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneUnsurprisingly, the recent head-to-head meetings favour Liverpool, who have won three of the last five games between the two sides. But these two teams have a history of producing great games.
The last meeting between the two in December finished 3-3, in 2023 they had a seven-goal game which Liverpool won 6-1, and Liverpool beat Leeds 6-0 in 2022.
Liverpool wins: 63
Leeds United wins: 29
Draws: 32
Score prediction
15:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneLiverpool are flying at the minute and have conceded only twice in their last four games. At home they should have too much for Leeds.
Liverpool to win, 3-1
Leeds United team news
15:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneCompared to most other teams in the Premier League, Leeds have been fortunate with their injury list and they are only missing three players.
Dan James, Joe Rodon and Sean Longstaff are all out, but all three are expected back towards the end of January.
Liverpool team news
15:10 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneDominik Szoboszlai is available for selection again after serving his suspension for five yellow cards in the win over Wolves just after Christmas.
The midfielder should earn an immediate recall to the side, likely replacing Federico Chiesa on the right-hand side.
However, Joe Gomez, Wataru Endo, Giovanni Leoni and Alexander Isak will miss the game through injury.
How to watch
15:05 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneTV channel: In the UK, the game will be broadcast on Sky Sports. Coverage starts at 5pm GMT on Sky Sports Main Event ahead of kick-off at 5.30pm.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app.
Live coverage: You can follow all the action right here with Standard Sport’s live blog!
Liverpool vs Leeds live
15:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Liverpool vs Leeds!
It's the first game of 2026 for both sides and if this evening's showdown is anything like the reverse fixture just under three weeks ago, then we are in for a treat.
Liverpool are in good form, winning their last four games across all competitions and can close the gap on third-placed Aston Villa with another victory. Leeds, meanwhile, are unbeaten in their last five games.
We’ll have all the latest updates, build-up and team news right here ahead of kick-off, which comes at 5.30pm GMT from Anfield. Stick with us!
