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.
1. Predicted Leeds United XI vs Liverpool
Let's see how Daniel Farke could line up on Thursday. | AFP via Getty Images
2. GK: Lucas Perri
Couldn't do too much about Adingra's opener on Sunday but hasn't kept a clean sheet since Newcastle in August. Will have to be at his best to put that right at Anfield. | Michael Regan/Getty Images
3. RB: Jayden Bogle
Struggled to cope with Adingra and it won't get much easier, with Cody Gakpo potentially returning from injury. Will be suspended for Manchester United on Sunday if he's booked. | AFP via Getty Images
4. CB: Jaka Bijol
Another really strong performance at Sunderland and looked relatively comfortable in Rodon's place at right centre-back. Will hope to take advantage of Liverpool's set-piece vulnerability. | AFP via Getty Images
5. CB: Pascal Struijk
Partners Bijol in a starting-XI back four for the first time, having done so following Rodon's injury at Sunderland. Needs to keep Hugo Ekitike quiet. | Getty Images
6. LB: Gabriel Gudmundsson
Just keeps looking brilliant in defence and going forward. Made a crucial error at home to Liverpool which he'll hope to rectify. | AFP via Getty Images