Leeds vs Liverpool predictions: Whites to hold travel-sick Reds

– Leeds have lost only one of their past four games at Elland Road 
– Liverpool are winless in four Premier League matches, losing two and drawing two 
– Recommended bet: Tie with Goals

Leeds United host Liverpool on Monday night with Javi Gracia’s men looking to bounce back from their 5-1 humiliation at the hands of Crystal Palace on last weekend.

The Yorkshire side went 1-0 up in the contest but were pegged back just before half-time, and then collapsed in the second half to plunge them back into the relegation battle.

The Whites are only two points above the relegation zone, but a win on Monday night would give them a little breathing room.

Since thrashing Manchester United 7-0, Liverpool have endured a difficult period and have not managed a win in any of their last four games in the Premier League, while they also fell to a 1-0 defeat at the Bernabeu to confirm their exit from the Champions League.

However, the Reds did do a good job in recovering from a 2-0 deficit to salvage a point against table-toppers Arsenal last weekend to make it back-to-back draws, after previously holding Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Team news

Leeds could welcome back defender Max Wober following an injury picked up on international duty with Austria.

Tyler Adams is likely to remain on the sidelines due to hamstring trouble while Stuart Dallas continues to recover from a long-term leg injury.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is considering giving Thiago a first start for nine weeks after he returned from a hip injury against Arsenal.

There is more good news for Liverpool as Luis Diaz is set to return from a knee injury sustained in October, although he is likely to start on the bench.

Goalkeeper Alisson and defender Ibrahima Konate are doubts after missing some training this week.

The stats

Gracia has undoubtedly improved Leeds since taking over from Jesse Marsch but the 5-1 loss last week is a definite setback and has put them back in trouble.

However, their home form has been largely respectable with 20 of their 29 points coming at Elland Road, where that Palace defeat was only their fifth reverse of the season.

Leeds did grab a rare away win at Anfield in October with Crysencio Summerville snatching the points late on to inflict what is still the only league defeat Liverpool have suffered at home this season.

The Reds have a curiously poor record against the lesser teams though, particularly away from home, and not one of their three away victories has come against a side below them in the table.

Goals are to be expected in this game, considering only two teams have conceded more than Leeds’ tally of 54 goals, while only one side in the bottom half has scored more than their 39.

Both teams have scored in each of Leeds’ last five matches, while the five goals shipped against Palace mean they have conceded more goals than any other Premier League side in April.

Prediction

Leeds took all three points from Liverpool earlier in the season and that will give them confidence, especially as they have looked better going forward since Gracia took over.

The last time they face Liverpool at Elland Road on a Monday night, they managed to claim a draw and they are now facing a Reds’ side that is far from their best.

Klopp’s side have looked so fragile away from home this season, winning only three of 15 games, so this is a very good opportunity for Leeds to earn a crucial point in their quest for survival.

Back a Tie with Goals at 18/5 with LiveScore Bet.

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