Daniel Farke to fear worst after what Chris Sutton said about Liverpool star in Leeds prediction
Leeds United face a tough trip to Liverpool on New Year’s Day as they look to keep their impressive Premier League run going.
Daniel Farke’s side are now seven points clear of the relegation zone after picking up two wins and three draws in their last five games.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored in his sixth consecutive match as the Whites drew 1-1 with Sunderland on Sunday afternoon, taking a well-deserved point away from the Stadium of Light.
However, Chris Sutton believes Leeds’ recent form will be inconsequential as they travel to Anfield on Thursday evening.
Leeds should fear Liverpool star who is ‘coming to the fore’
Leeds drew 3-3 with Liverpool at Elland Road earlier this month, with Ao Tanaka scoring a dramatic 96th-minute equaliser to secure a famous result against Arne Slot’s side.
The Premier League champions have won four games in a row across all competitions since that result in West Yorkshire, so will be full of confidence for the visit of the Whites.
In his weekly column for BBC Sport, former Blackburn striker Sutton predicts Liverpool to continue their winning run against Leeds.
He said: “I correctly backed Leeds to get a point when these sides met at Elland Road a few weeks back, but this is at Anfield and, besides that, Liverpool look a lot more confident now.
“Arne Slot’s side are back up to fourth place and although when you watch them you can see they have still got weaknesses in their team, I’m expecting them to make it four league wins in a row here.”
Sutton also highlighted Liverpool’s summer signing Florian Wirtz as a player that Farke should be fearing, after the German grabbed his first Premier League goal of the season on Saturday.
He said: “Florian Wirtz seems to be coming to the fore for Liverpool now and they are building their confidence back up.”
Daniel Farke facing further issue ahead of Liverpool game
Not only are the Whites facing a Liverpool side who are back in form after a shaky few months, but they will also be without Joe Rodon in defence.
Rodon is expected to miss several games for Leeds after he was forced off in the draw with Sunderland, taking two separate blows to the ankle in the first half.
Farke could utilise Ethan Ampadu at centre back against Liverpool, or he could completely switch system, with Sebastiaan Bornauw another option.
Tanaka replaced Rodon against Sunderland, with Leeds moving from a back four to a back five, and to great effect.
Despite their recent success with the five at the back, the Whites looked more comfortable with an extra midfielder, and Farke could choose to build on the performance at the Stadium of Light.
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