Dom Matteo has told LUTV’s Match Preview that Liverpool duo Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate are the danger men from set-pieces and urged the Leeds United defence to make it as “awkward” as possible for the Reds stars.
Coming into the game off the back of a 5-1 loss to Crystal Palace, Leeds will have the support of the home crowd as they look to put up a sterner test against Jurgen Klopp’s side. They have of course, been up and down this term.
Sitting in eighth place in the Premier League table, Liverpool will be favourites to secure an away win. But Leeds will have confidence from beating the Reds at Anfield earlier this season. Javi Gracia will be demanding a response.
Both sides have had plenty of time off to concentrate on getting things right. Max Wober looks as though he will be in the squad, which is a huge boost. Ex-Leeds, and Liverpool star Matteo warned Leeds about van Dijk and Konate.
“Set-pieces are going to be massive. Konate, van Dijk, they’re going to be in the box. So, we’ve got to make sure that whoever is marking them, have got to get something on it – got to get a touch. Make it awkward,” Matteo said.
“They’re going to get chances. But we’ve got to be more physical than them, show we’re more up for it. They’re on a rebuild at the moment and trying to get into Europe. They know how important it is – Leeds have got to improve.”
Matteo: Liverpool duo van Dijk and Konate are Liverpool danger men
Leeds have been vulnerable to set-pieces of late, and it is key that the Whites get it right when the likes of van Dijk and Konate are in the box. The duo are incredibly potent from set-pieces – whether that be flicking it on or scoring.
What will be shattering, is if Leeds manage to keep Liverpool at bay for the entire match and only concede from a corner or a free-kick in and around the Leeds box. Concentration and organisation will be key going into the match.
They do, however, only have three goals for Liverpool between them this season – all of which have been scored by van Dijk. Leeds will also have to deal with the likes of Mo Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Cody Gakpo tonight.
