Liverpool vs Leeds United: Prediction, Team News & Lineups

Liverpool vs Leeds United prediction: Liverpool have won both matches under Andoni Iraola and should have enough attacking quality to complete a perfect United States tour, although Leeds have already shown they can frustrate the Reds.

Match Details

Match Preview

Liverpool can complete a perfect pre-season tour of the United States when they face Leeds United at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Andoni Iraola has overseen two victories from two matches so far, beginning with an entertaining 4-2 success against Sunderland before a far tighter 1-0 win over Wrexham.

Teenage winger Rio Ngumoha settled the latter contest with a deflected strike, although Liverpool were fortunate at times as Wrexham created five big chances compared with the Reds’ one.

Iraola nevertheless praised the collective improvement and the way his players adapted to the narrow playing surface in New York.

Sunday’s match is Liverpool’s final friendly away from Anfield before three home fixtures against Monaco and Como.

Liverpool Team Analysis

Liverpool’s opening match under Iraola displayed the aggressive pressing and fluid attacking movement associated with the new manager’s style.

The victory over Wrexham was less spectacular, but it offered a useful test of Liverpool’s defensive resilience and game management.

Ngumoha has been one of the tour’s standout performers and should retain his place after scoring the winner in New York.

Harvey Elliott and Dominic Morrison are expected to provide support behind Jayden Wright, while Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai should control central midfield.

The possible returns of Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Ryan Gravenberch will add further quality from the bench, even if none is expected to start.

Leeds United Team Analysis

Leeds arrive after earning their first victory of pre-season with a 1-0 success against Sunderland.

Lukas Nmecha scored the only goal in unusual fashion, sending a low effort across the turf from long range while goalkeeper Melker Ellborg was caught out of position.

Daniel Farke’s side had previously lost 3-2 to Wrexham, but their improved defensive display against Sunderland provided a more encouraging platform.

Harry Wilson has already made an impact following his arrival, registering an assist within 30 minutes of his debut.

Wilfried Gnonto and Nmecha should offer mobility in the final third, while Anton Stach and Ao Tanaka are likely to anchor midfield.

Recent Head-to-Head Context

Leeds proved awkward opponents for Liverpool during the 2025-26 Premier League season.

The teams shared a 3-3 draw at Elland Road before playing out a goalless match at Anfield on New Year’s Day.

Those results underline Leeds’ ability to compete against the Reds, even though Sunday’s friendly carries very different stakes.

Pre-season Context

Liverpool are preparing for a title defence after winning the 2024-25 Premier League crown.

The club’s supporters remain concerned by the limited transfer activity so far, although links with Bradley Barcola have provided some encouragement.

Leeds will return to England after the United States tour and face RB Leipzig, Manchester United and Augsburg before the competitive campaign begins.

Both managers are therefore likely to use the match to test combinations and gradually reintroduce senior players.

Tactical Battle

Liverpool should press high and attempt to regain possession quickly through Jones, Szoboszlai and Elliott.

Ngumoha’s direct running may be particularly important against a Leeds back three that could be stretched by quick switches of play.

Leeds are likely to build through Stach and Tanaka before releasing Wilson and Gnonto into the spaces around Liverpool’s full-backs.

Nmecha’s movement across the front line could trouble an unfamiliar Liverpool centre-back pairing.

The match may become increasingly open as both coaches introduce returning internationals and younger substitutes.

Team News

• Liverpool: Joe Gomez is expected to miss several weeks with a muscular injury suffered against Sunderland.
• Liverpool: Jeremy Jacquet is available for his debut after recovering from a serious shoulder injury.
• Liverpool: Ifeanyi Ndukwe could make way in central defence.
• Liverpool: Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Ryan Gravenberch are expected to receive their first pre-season minutes from the bench.
• Liverpool: Rio Ngumoha should retain his place after scoring against Wrexham.
• Leeds United: Tarik Muharemovic is available after featuring against Sunderland.
• Leeds United: Gabriel Gudmundsson has returned following his post-World Cup break.
• Leeds United: Noah Okafor and Brenden Aaronson remain on holiday.
• Leeds United: Jakub Bijol is unavailable with a knee injury.
• Leeds United: Dominic Calvert-Lewin has returned to training after a minor setback, but this match is expected to come too soon.

Predicted Lineups

Liverpool predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Jacquet, Chambers, Tsimikas; Jones, Szoboszlai; Morrison, Elliott, Ngumoha; Wright.

Leeds United predicted lineup (3-4-2-1): Cairns; Rodon, Muharemovic, Bornauw; Bogle, Stach, Tanaka, Gudmundsson; Wilson, Gnonto; Nmecha.

Betting Tips

• Full-time result: Liverpool win.
• Both teams to score: Yes.
• Over/Under 2.5 goals: Over 2.5 goals.
• Double chance: Liverpool or draw.
• Correct score: Liverpool 2-1 Leeds United.

Score Prediction

Goal.mu predicts: Liverpool 2-1 Leeds United.

Leeds have already demonstrated that they can make life difficult for Liverpool, but the Reds enter with two straight wins and should benefit from the gradual return of several senior players. Iraola’s side may not dominate throughout, yet their superior attacking options should decide the contest.

Hot Stat

Liverpool have won both of their opening pre-season matches under Andoni Iraola, while Leeds held the Reds to two draws in the 2025-26 Premier League season.

Final Analysis

Liverpool’s performances have already shown two different sides of Iraola’s developing team: explosive attacking football against Sunderland and greater resilience against Wrexham.

Leeds should offer another demanding test, especially with Wilson and Gnonto operating behind Nmecha, but Liverpool’s depth and momentum make them narrow favourites in Chicago.