Pre-stat: Liverpool remained unbeaten in its last 9 New Year's 1st games at home

Liverpool and Leeds welcome in the New Year at Anfield - just weeks after they played out a 3-3 draw at Elland Road.

 It has been an erratic campaign for both teams. Devoid of any kind of dynamism, Arne Slot’s Reds have looked disjointed in every area and have a shocking defensive record - 26 goals conceded and just five clean sheets in 18 outings. In spite of that, Liverpool sit fourth and somehow remain still in with a chance of a top four finish.

Leeds are further down the order in 16th, two places above the relegation zone. Not that results have been particularly bad for Daniel Farke’s men - it’s just that they are struggling to win games. But nevertheless, they have shown that they are a gritty side - almost surprising City and holding today’s rivals Liverpool at home at the start of December.

Cody Gakpo could record a rare goal feat for Liverpool in Thursday's Premier League clash with Leeds United.

The Dutchman has scored in the Reds' first top-flight match of each of the last two years, against Newcastle United and Manchester United.

Netting versus Leeds at Anfield on New Year's Day would make him the first Liverpool man to extend that run to three years in a row since Ian Rush did so in 1985, 1986 and 1987.

Liverpool have won five of their last six Premier League games on New Year's Day (one draw), with their last defeat coming at home to Chelsea in 2005.

Meanwhile, they have not lost their first game of the year when it has been at Anfield on any of the last nine occasions (six wins, three draws).

The Reds have scored 19 goals in their last five Premier League matches against Leeds.

Liverpool have lost just one of their last 13 Premier League meetings with Leeds (eight wins, four draws), with that defeat coming in October 2022 at Anfield.

Leeds are unbeaten in their last 10 league matches played in January (six wins, four draws).

No team has scored more goals in the opening 15 minutes in the Premier League this term than Leeds (five).