Leeds United play host to Liverpool on Monday night in one of the most eagerly-anticipated Premier League matches of the season – but not necessarily because of the football on offer, but because of what Liverpool have done off the pitch. The Reds are one of six Premier League clubs to sign up to the European Super League – and both Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher are likely to be preparing to rip the Anfield club to shreds.
The European Super League has been created out of greed and power by those with the most money at the top of the game – but without any thought for supporters, or for anything other but self-profit. There are even rumours that clubs would be happy to see players prevented from playing for their countries, or in the Premier League going forward because it would benefit their Super League pursuit.
Massive criticism, mostly from Neville among other pundits. Fans of the six clubs are passionately saddened by their club’s decision to join the Super League and now Liverpool are the first of those six to take to the field – after the ESL announcement was made. Leeds will be looking to compound the sadness for the Merseyside club’s fanbase – as they welcome Liverpool to Elland Road on Monday night, nine days on from their win over Man City.
Jack Harrison is expected to come back into the side, while Rodrigo is likely to be forced to watch on as Tyler Roberts continues to perform well in the middle of the park. Bielsa has a tricky decision to make when replacing Liam Cooper who was sent off last Saturday – does he go for Robin Koch or Pascal Struijk? Against a side like Liverpool, he might go for experience.
Predictions:
Michael Owen – as quoted by The Metro – thinks Liverpool will secure all three points on Monday night. The Liverpool icon has backed the Reds to win 2-1 despite Leeds winning last time out, given Jurgen Klopp’s side have won their last three Premier League games. Wolves, Villa and Arsenal have succumbed to Liverpool and Owen reckons there will be a fourth.
“Fresh from victory at the Etihad, belief will be sky-high within the Elland Road ranks. One positive for them is that Liverpool have played midweek in Europe, as that definitely worked in their favour in their victory at City. That said, there has been a bit of an improvement in Liverpool’s recent performances, especially on the road domestically. With that in mind, I’m siding with the Reds’ to carve out a narrow victory.”
Mark Lawrenson – has told BBC Sport – that he also thinks Liverpool will secure a 2-1 win at Elland Road, but of course, he is also a Liverpool legend. He believes their decent performance against Real Madrid in the Champions League will give the Reds confidence in tonight’s outing.
“Leeds come into the game fresh from beating Man City and, although Liverpool got knocked out of the Champions League in midweek, they looked sharp against Madrid. I can see Liverpool getting some opportunities on Monday too. Leeds will too. Marcelo Bielsa’s side have had a brilliant season, and it’s such a shame so few people have watched their games.”
