Leeds slow start to persist
Ever enterprising Leeds United play host to Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool on Sunday, in search of their first league win of the season. The Whites managed a 3-0 victory over Crewe Alexandra in the League Cup and have posted two draws and a loss from their opening trio in the Premier League. The Reds will be looking to be more competitive at the top end of the table than they were last term, scraping into the top four in the closing exchanges. Daniel James may get the chance at Elland Road and with Marcelo Bielsa having been keen on him for a while, the former Manchester United man should slot into the Leeds philosophy seamlessly.
Background
The return of Virgil Van Dijk has made the Reds look far more assured in the opening trio, the Dutchman was sorely missed last season and with Joel Matip also returning to the side, Jurgen Klopp will be confident of a top three finish. Leeds were one of the most enjoyable teams to watch as a neutral in 2020/21 and this season looks to be much of the same with 12 goals coming from their first three encounters. An average of four goals per game.
Process
Leeds have underperformed to concede eight goals from just 4.8 expected, a defensive statistic that should improve if they can continue to limit the opposition at the rate they have in the opening trio. Liverpool have let in just one goal, coming against Chelsea, so far, allowing chances equating to 3.5 expected goals. The Whites tend to be a little more attacking away from home than at Elland Road and therefore may be looking to contain Liverpool and spring out on the counter, sitting in slightly more on home soil. Therefore, I am happy to double up and unders punt with an outright selection for this fixture.
The visitors would have been disappointed not to beat Chelsea last time out in the league, despite playing the whole of the second period with the scores level against ten men. Liverpool may have slightly more players returning from international duty, giving Leeds a tiny edge although over the course of 90 minutes the Reds’ quality should shine through.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
3-0 Liverpool, comfortable winner.