Although Leeds United are underdogs for the game against Liverpool, they are widely fancied to cause another Premier League upset.
Daniel Farke has turned the tide of Leeds’ season in a matter of days, as he looks to steer his side through choppy waters to Premier League safety.
This time last week, Farke’s time at Leeds appeared to be coming to an end, with reports suggesting that the 49ers were lining up Gary O’Neill as his replacement.
Now, a whole host of big names in the punditry world are backing Leeds, with Peter Crouch, Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher all predicting a 2-1 win for Farke’s side.
Former England international Alan Shearer has now added his voice to those backing a Leeds win, which shows just how far Farke has come in a week.
Prediction time for Leeds United v Liverpool 🔮
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Alan Shearer predicts Leeds United win over Liverpool
Speaking in his column for the Metro, Alan Shearer was pessimistic about Leeds’ hopes against Manchester City last weekend.
The former Newcastle man wrote off Leeds’ chances of claiming a result, stating: “I guess if you want any game after two defeats, then you would want Leeds at home,” before adding, “I can’t see Leeds coming away with anything. I’d be amazed if they did.”
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Although Leeds did leave the Etihad empty-handed, the introduction of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jaka Bijol, and the switch to a back three meant Farke and his side left the home team with a bloodied nose.
Farke’s side followed this up with a statement win over Chelsea, which has seen Shearer change his opinion completely in a week. Writing in his latest Metro column, Shearer backed Leeds to beat Liverpool, stating: “Again, how can I say Liverpool will win with any confidence?
“Especially when you consider what the atmosphere will be like. Leeds will go after them. I can’t say Liverpool are going to win, I find it difficult to say.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
“So, I’m going to say Leeds home win. I don’t see anything in Liverpool that gives me any confidence that I can say that they’re going to win.”
If Shearer’s prediction comes true and other results go Leeds’ way, Farke’s side could end the weekend five points ahead of the bottom three.
Leeds United can target Liverpool at set pieces
With a newfound confidence coursing through the Leeds crowd, Liverpool will be welcomed by another hostile atmosphere at Elland Road.
Liverpool have struggled defensively this season, and the Opta stats for the season to date show exactly where Farke’s side can trouble them.
Arne Slot’s side have conceded nine goals from set pieces in 14 games this season, the joint-second most in the Premier League behind West Ham.
Can Leeds’ dangerous defenders find the net against Liverpool? ⚽💪
Jaka Bijol and Joe Rodon are a potent threat in the opposition’s penalty area
STATS:
Leeds attacking threat set pieces this season:
- Goals: 7 (=5th most in PL)
- % of Goals from set pieces: 43.75% (1st in PL)
Liverpool’s defensive woes from set pieces:
- Goals conceded: 9 (=2nd most in PL)
- % of Goals conceded from set pieces: 42.86% (=3rd most in PL)
Stats provided by Opta
Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP via Getty Images
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In a worrying sign for Slot, Leeds have scored seven goals from set pieces this season, which is the joint fifth-most. However, those goals represent 43.75% of Leeds’ overall tally for the season, the highest proportion of any team.
A bullet header from Jaka Bijol got Leeds off to a flying start against Chelsea, as did a header from Joe Rodon in their previous win over West Ham. If they can get their delivery right, they could have more success at Elland Road against Liverpool.
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