Leeds United will hope to start 2026 with a bang when they face Liverpool at Anfield on Thursday. Daniel Farke’s side saw out a brilliant 2025 unbeaten for five games following last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Sunderland, a run which also included a 3-3 comeback stalemate against their New Year's Day hosts.
Farke will be without Joe Rodon this time round, with the Welshman expected to be out for around three weeks after picking up an ankle ligament injury at Sunderland. He joins longer-term absentees Sean Longstaff (calf) and Daniel James (hamstring tendon) on the sidelines heading into the new year, with no other fitness issues reported.
Rodon’s absence has thrown Farke a curveball heading to Anfield, with the Whites boss refusing to be drawn into talk around formations during his pre-game press conference. Nonetheless, the YEP has attempted to predict how Leeds could line up in their first game of 2026 at Anfield.
7. CM: Ethan Ampadu
There's an argument to drop Ampadu into a back three but he's been so good in midfield and needs to keep his flow. Long throws are getting flatter and faster each week. Like Bogle,, he also needs to avoid a booking if he wants to play on Sunday. Photo: George Wood
8. CM: Anton Stach
Really come into his own in recent weeks and was outstanding again at Sunderland. Will be tasked with getting stuck into Liverpool's midfield and driving Leeds forward. | AFP via Getty Images
9. CM: Ao Tanaka
Replaced Rodon at Sunderland and does so in the starting line-up at Liverpool. Will need to keep it sharp in possession. | Getty Images
10. RW: Brenden Aaronson
Produced arguably his best performance in a Leeds shirt at Sunderland and been in good form recently. Keep the end product coming and few will complain at his continued presence in the starting XI. | Getty Images
11. LW: Willy Gnonto
Caused Liverpool real problems off the bench in the reverse fixture and made a good impact recently. Replaces Noah Okafor, who didn't set the world alight at Sunderland and might need a rest ahead of a quick turnaround to Manchester United on Sunday. | Getty Images
12. ST: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
One of the easiest decisions Farke will have to make. Seven goals in six games and looking fitter than ever. Was relatively well-managed by Liverpool last time out but comes into this Anfield trip in red-hot form. | Getty Images