Daniel Farke can use key Leeds United strength to exploit Liverpool’s biggest weakness
It’s the battle of the under-pressure managers when Daniel Farke’s Leeds United host Arne Slot’s Liverpool on Saturday evening.
Farke was edging closer to the sack at Elland Road, but Leeds’ impressive 3-1 victory over Chelsea on Wednesday night bought the German more time in the dugout.
The foundation of their tactical masterclass against Chelsea was down to Leeds using a 3-5-2 formation, the system that saw them score twice in the second half at Manchester City.
Combining a defensive trio of Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol and Pascal Strujik with a strike force of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha worked wonders for the Whites, and Farke must persist with that winning formula this weekend.
Leeds United can exploit Liverpool from set-pieces
Leeds have many players in their squad over six feet tall, and that physical edge was crucial to them scoring three times against the Blues.
Gary Neville praised Bijol for his aerial dominance, as the Slovenian slammed a header past Robert Sanchez after getting on the end of Anton Stach’s teasing delivery.
The goal showcased their threat from set-pieces, with the Whites scoring the fifth-most goals of any team from these situations (7) in 2025/26.
In a match where Liverpool will expect to dominate possession, Leeds can hit Slot’s men on the counter-attack and win free kicks or corners.
Liverpool have struggled to defend set-pieces under the Dutchman, and as it stands, only West Ham have shipped more goals from corners or free kicks this term.
| Premier League sides’ goals conceded from set-pieces |
| West Ham – 10 |
| Liverpool – 9 |
| Nottingham Forest – 9 |
| Bournemouth – 9 |
| Leeds United – 7 |
This is where Leeds can use their major strength to catch the visitors out, and hopefully, secure their first Premier League home win over the Reds since November 2000.
Leeds could get Arne Slot sacked
Whilst there has been talk of Leeds replacing Farke as manager – even after the win over Chelsea – it is Slot who is under more pressure to turn the tide.
Following their Premier League title triumph, the Liverpool boss spent over £460million on new players during the summer, and so far, most of his signings haven’t had the desired impact.
Liverpool were expected to challenge for the title, but are currently sitting 11 points behind leaders Arsenal in ninth position.
So, ahead of their visit to West Yorkshire, the pressure is on for the Merseyside giants to win, and if Leeds secure a famous victory, it could be the end of the road for Slot.
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