Mark Lawrenson predicts Leeds United showdown v Liverpool
Mark Lawrenson predicts Liverpool to hammer Leeds United when the two sides meet at Anfield on Wednesday night.
Leeds have confirmed that they will be without Diego Llorente for the Premier League clash with the Spanish defender joining a series of key players already sidelined for Marcelo Bielsa.
Liverpool, on the other hand, have named a strong squad and Lawrenson predicts the game to finish 4-0 to the Reds.
As quoted on the BBC Sport website, Lawrenson said: “Whether you are at the top or bottom end of the table, it’s always easier chasing, rather than being the team looking over your shoulder.
“Liverpool are in that position now with Manchester City in their sights and, with nine straight wins, the Reds have so much momentum and belief right now.
“Leeds, in contrast, have not won any of their past four games, and have conceded at least three goals in their past three. They are still missing some key players through injury, and I think this could be another difficult night for them.”
Must-not-get-battered
Never mind a must-not-lose game for Leeds, this is a game where Bielsa’s men will be lucky to not be battered.
Liverpool are in great form and have Manchester City in their sights while with Leeds, the relegation zone is getting closer and we’re conceding goals left, right and centre.
Llorente’s omission – presumably due to injury – is a blow even though the Spain international hasn’t been in great form because it means that Luke Ayling is starting at centre-back alongside Pascal Struijk.
Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane will no doubt be licking their lips at the prospect of coming up against such a makeshift defensive line that also sees Junior Firpo return from injury to start and Stuart Dallas moved over to right-back.
We’re happy with Dallas at right-back, we feel he’s better there. But Firpo was lax for two of Man United’s four goals on Sunday and may not be fully fit.
We’re worried, let’s face it.
In other Leeds United news, this player was nowhere to be seen at Anfield as the team arrived.