Premier League Matchday 5 continues on Sunday with just one game, but it’s a big one as Liverpool head to Leeds United in a match where plenty of goals are expected. After the Reds won their first meeting against Leeds last season, 4-3, expectations are for each team to find the net and perhaps multiple times. Liverpool enter the day in seventh place with a 2-1-0 record and seven points, and they can potentially go top of the table with a big win. Leeds have yet to win this season at 0-2-1, and while relegation concerns are premature, they need to get going and find some consistency in attack.
Here’s are storylines, how you can watch the match and more:
Storylines
Leeds: This attack, which on paper is great, has scored in every game this season. The issue has been in defense. Eight goals conceded in three games means they are one of the worst defenses in the league, and if they concede four here like they did against Liverpool last year, they would be tied as the worst statistically. Now they have to face a dangerous Liverpool attack where applying pressure in the defensive third will be key. By giving them space, they’ll just allow them the time to tear them apart with quick passes, so expect them to be physical and on top of their attackers if they are to have any chance at winning.
Liverpool: All eyes will be on star center back Virgil van Dijk after he picked up an injury on international duty with the Netherlands, but reports in England indicate that he should be good to play here. And it’s a good thing he should be set to play, because without him, Liverpool could have some issues with this Leeds attack. If he is in the starting XI, Leeds will need to not worry as much about getting balls in from the wing, rather play a bit more direct up the middle to really test out the Dutchman and see if he is truly fit.
How to watch and odds
- Date: Sunday, Sept. 12
- Time: 11:30 a.m. ET
- Location: Elland Road — Leeds, England
- TV: NBCSN
- Live stream*: fuboTV (Try for free)
- Odds: Leeds +360; Draw +300; Liverpool -140 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
*fuboTV will also be offering a 4K stream of this matchup, and a compatible streaming device and television is required.
Prediction
Tons of goals, some suspect defense and a Mohamed Salah winner sends the Reds home with three points. Pick: Liverpool 3, Leeds 2