We’ve got a cracking opening day tie in store as the Premier League and Championship winners face-off at Anfield. It’s amazing to think its been 16 years since Leeds last played a top-flight match – and even more so that James Milner played in that game!
Finally, we get to see Marcelo Bielsa manage in the Premier League. He’s nicknamed ‘El Loco’ as he often comes up with innovative and new tactics, and it will be exciting to see what he has in store for Jurgen Klopp’s champions.
Liverpool to score Over 3.5 Goals
Having said that, Bielsa’s team will need a near miracle to get anything from this one. Liverpool are at full strength, with key men Mo Salah and Sadio Mane well-rested. I can only see an easy Liverpool win.
Virgil Van Dijk at the back is a man mountain and Leeds will struggle to score at Anfield. Liverpool have the best defensive record in each the last two seasons and this will only continue with the likes of Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold still improving.
Mohamed Salah to score 2 or more
Leeds defence is in for a long day, and we all know how Klopp likes his Liverpool team to press aggressively, and it will be at a speed and intensity Leeds will not have experienced in last season’ Championship. Salah was somewhat overshadowed last season by Mane last year but I expect Egyptian King to start this campaign with a bang.
Kalvin Phillips to be booked
With the above in mind, it’s worth backing some Leeds players to receive a yellow card, Luke Ayling and Kalvin Phillips both got 9 last season, with Ezgjan Alioski & Mateusz Klich close behind with 8 & 7.
It might be worth waiting for the teams and seeing who is in the difficult full-back and central midfield positions but new England international Phillips will be in the thick of the action throughout.
- A Same Game Multi of Liverpool to score over 3.5 goals, Salah to score twice and Phillips to be booked clocks in at around 33/1 with Paddy Power.
Read More:
- Our top trader’s tips for this season’s Premier League winner
- Our tipping preview for this season’s La Liga
- Who is going up, and who is going down? Check out our complete EFL guide
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