Leeds United vs Liverpool
With these two sides, that is pretty much guaranteed it would seem.
Put it this way: If this contest ends goalless, it won’t be for lack of opportunities.
The Premier League fixture is also a throwback to a period when both clubs were vying for the top prizes both in the domestic and European games.
Talking Points
Although I was too young to remember, I have been told about some right dingdongs between these two in the 1970s – a time when Leeds were one of the leading lights in the early part of the decade and Liverpool were aiming to become what they ended up being, a dominant force, in the second half of the decade.
They were then led by two managers, Don Revie and Bill Shankly, who were considered among the greats, both trying to outmanoeuvre one another in the games that mattered.
And, of course, as both teams improved and started to challenge for honours, their clashes became more feisty occasions with their eyes on the prizes.
The 1974 Charity Shield – the meeting between league champions Leeds and FA Cup winners Liverpool – is a perfect example of that.
If you don’t believe me, type it in a Google search and sit back!
Although I’m not necessarily expecting a repeat of those fireworks this weekend, Premier League 2021 highlights could be aplenty.
The main team news surrounds the Brazilian players at both clubs who, as it stands, have been banned from playing under FIFA regulations because they did not report for international duty.
If they had, they would have had to miss several games on their return because of the 10-day isolation period required under UK rules.
Officials are in talks with FIFA to try and find a way around the issue.
Most affected are Liverpool who have made a very good start to the season – seven points from three games – and are expected to challenge for the title once again, showcasing a squad which has real depth.
They do have some doubts ahead of this clash with Brazilian attacker Roberto Firmino (if allowed to play) reporting an injury, although if he misses out there is plenty of talent at manager Jurgen Klopp’s disposal.
Likewise in midfield, Naby Keita is not a guaranteed starter but may not make the squad after being caught up in a political situation in his home country.
There has been an attempted coup in Guinea, with conflicting reports over the success of the attempt to dissolve the government. However, there are reports that Guinea’s borders will be closed for a week, meaning Keita would not return in time for the Elland Road clash.
Like Liverpool, Leeds have not strengthened significantly this summer but appear pleased with the progress made under the charismatic Marcelo Bielsa.
Yet to win, the Whites have at least recovered from an opening day pummelling at Old Trafford to earn draws at home to Everton and last time out at Burnley, which further highlighted their character to fight back from losing positions.
Their equaliser in that encounter was netted by Patrick Bamford, who has been rewarded for his attacking contributions over the past 12 months with an England call-up.
He now has a new man to help his supply line with Leeds last week snapping up winger Daniel James for a reported £25 million from Manchester United – whom he played for against Leeds only a few weeks ago.
If the Welsh winger can produce, some consistent form, he could be a real asset.
This could be end-to-end at Elland Road.
History
Leeds have beaten Liverpool 28 times in history, less than half of the occasions the Merseysiders (60) have enjoyed victories over their Yorkshire counterparts.
There have also been 31 draws, including towards the end of last season in their most recent clash when a late goal from Diego Llorente earned Leeds a point.
Then there was their opening day thriller last term when a late Mo Salah penalty edged a seven-goal contest for the Reds.
It is 11 matches and 20 years since Leeds last beat Liverpool – that came in 2001 when Rio Ferdinand and Lee Bowyer scored the goals in a 2-1 win at Anfield.
The last time Leeds defeated them at home was one of the best matches in Premier League history – an encounter when Mark Viduka scored all four goals in an exhilarating 4-3 success.
Betting Tip
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Leeds United vs Liverpool | Total Goals 2-3 @ 2.12 |
| September 12, 23:30 (GMT+8) |
There’s no question the SBOTOP Premier League 2021 betting odds make the Merseysiders firm favourites.
They can be tipped 1X2 @ 1.67 and Asian Handicap -1.00 @ 2.19.
Leeds are offered – at what will be attractive to some – odds of 1X2 @ 4.60 and Asian Handicap +0.50 @ 2.35.
The 1X2 draw is also available at a tempting @ 3.95, with a repeat of the corresponding fixture last season – correct score 1-1 – @ 7.40.
After meetings between these two fairly free-scoring sides last season produced nine goals, it’s hard to predict a goalless draw on Sunday.
That is reflected in the odds of over 3.25 goals @ 2.16, total goal 0-1 @ 5.30, 2-3 @ 2.13 and 4-6 @ 2.67.
Double Chance Leeds or Draw @ 2.11 has caught my eye but I am going to plump for three-star prediction of 2-3 total goals @ 2.13.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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|---|---|---|---|
| = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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