Liverpool are unlikely to be able to keep a clean sheet against Leeds United when they travel to Elland Road on Monday.
That is the view of BBC Sport pundit Chris Sutton, as he predicted a 1-1 draw when Leeds host Liverpool at the start of next week.
Leeds fans must have hoped that much of the pressure would be off by the time Jurgen Klopp’s men came to town. The win over Nottingham Forest looked set to be followed by a victory against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Sutton backs Leeds to get point against Liverpool
Patrick Bamford gave us the lead. And it was only the performance of Sam Johnstone which seemed to keep Palace in the game as stoppage-time loomed at the end of the first-half.
However, we all know what happened next.
Liverpool meanwhile, have had a really bizarre season. The Reds look set to miss out on finishing in the top-four. They are actually closer to Leeds in the table than Manchester City.
Sutton admitted that he is struggling to call who will come out on top, but he seemed pretty confident that neither goalkeeper will be able to keep a clean sheet.
“Leeds were actually really good in the first half against Crystal Palace last week but they completely collapsed after the break. Liverpool kind of did the opposite against Arsenal, making such a poor start before fighting back. I really don’t understand why it took the Xhaka incident to fire them up and get them playing with the right intensity.
“Jurgen Klopp’s side have struggled on the road this season, particularly against teams in the bottom half of the table but you have to consider what damage that heavy Palace defeat has done to Leeds’ confidence at Elland Road. They need to show they are not as fragile as they appear,” he told BBC Sport.
“Liverpool’s defence and midfield has been a long way below their best this season, but their attack has still been a handful – so surely Leeds won’t keep them out.
“Equally, you just don’t know what you are going to get from the Reds defensively at the moment – I don’t see them keeping a clean sheet either, even against a team who seem to waste a lot of chances.”
In some ways, this could be a good game to have after the disappointment of what transpired against Palace. Liverpool are the kind of side who can inspire the best out of their opponents. But they are not the same animal they have been in recent years.
So they could potentially be there for the taking. And ultimately, Javi Gracia’s side need to make a big statement after such a heavy loss.
Funnily enough, Liverpool’s only home defeat this season came against Leeds.
Here’s hoping it can be another famous night at Elland Road as the relegation battle rolls on.
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