Reigning Premier League champions, Liverpool begin their title defence against newly promoted Leeds United at Anfield in the first of a Saturday Night Football double bill.
Liverpool for the second consecutive season come up against the reigning Championship champions at Anfield in their opening match but this time, the Reds begin a title defence whilst Leeds are looking to mark their top flight return after a 16 season absence with a shock win over the defending Premier League champions.
Team News
Liverpool could be without new signing, Konstantinos Tsimikas (fitness) if he fails a late fitness test alongside regulars, Jordan Henderson (knee) and Xherdan Shaqiri (muscle).
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain meanwhile is ruled out with a knee injury.
Leeds have a near full squad available with only midfielder, Adam Forshaw sidelined as he continues his long recovery from surgery on a hip injury.
Stat Attack
- Liverpool are unbeaten in their last eight meetings against Leeds across all competitions (W6, D2).
- Leeds have won just one of their last five trips to Anfield in all competitions (W1, D1, L3).
- Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 59 home league matches dating back to late April 2017 (W48, D11).
- Leeds are unbeaten in four of their last five opening league matches of a new season (W3, D1, L1), with all five such games televised live by Sky Sports.
- Liverpool are unbeaten in their last seven opening weekend fixtures (W6, D1).
Prediction
Having faltered in terms of motivation towards the end of last season which seems to have seeped into this campaign if their Community Shield performance is anything to by, Jurgen Klopp faces a tough task to get his Liverpool squad hungry again although their strong home record should be a motivational boost as there would be nothing more embarrassing than an opening weekend loss at home to a newly promoted team.
Leeds meanwhile can often play a similar style to Liverpool and having made strong investment during the break, the Whites will fancy their chances of troubling Liverpool who have gone off the boil defensively in recent games.
I however am going for a home win because as good as Leeds can be, Liverpool have made Anfield a difficult fortress for visitors and on top of first game back in the top flight since 2004, Leeds might be in for a surprise if they think they can get a point from this match.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Leeds United
Result: Liverpool 4-3 Leeds United