Leeds play attacking football under Gracia which is exciting for viewers but sometimes a bit worrying for Leeds fans due to their defensive issues. Leeds matches average 3.1 goals per game this season, the joint 4th most goals per game of any team in the league, and over 2.5 goals has landed in their last 5 matches.

Liverpool are also an attacking side, they have shown defensive fragility throughout the season and conceded 35 goals in 29 games. Liverpool matches average 2.9 goals per game and 17 of their 29 matches have had over 2.5 goals this season. 3 of Liverpool’s last 5 league matches have had over 2.5 goals but in a match against another high-scoring team here, I expect goals in this game.

Liverpool’s defensive woes have been the root of their problems this season and they have allowed 4.03 shots on target per 90 this season, only the 8th best in the league. Leeds play attacking football and despite their poor league position, they average 3.9 shots on target per 90 which is 9th best in the league, more than a lot of the teams in their league position.

Luis Sinisterra has been good for Leeds this season but injuries have affected his season, he has seemingly secured his place in the squad under Gracia now though. Sinisterra has only played 4 matches under Gracia but he has had 4 shots on target in just 197 minutes, that’s a shot on target every 49 minutes. Sinisterra even had 2 shots on target in Leeds’ last match where they were thrashed by Crystal Palace. Leeds are stronger at home, they have picked up 20 of their 29 points at home this season and this home form will see them create chances. Sinisterra should start here and he is good enough to have at least 1 shot on target here.

After missing out recently due to injury, Gnonto is expected to return to the starting line-up here. The diminutive Italian is one of the best dribblers in the League and his battle with Alexander-Arnold looks to be an interesting one. Gnonto draws a lot of fouls, on average he is fouled 2.54 times per 90 which is one of the highest per 90 in the league.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been under a lot of pressure again recently, he has shown his defensive issues in recent matches which have led to Liverpool conceding goals. Trent commits 0.77 fouls per 90 this season and has committed a foul in all of his last 5 matches. Against Gnonto will be a massive challenge for Trent and he seems nailed on to commit a foul here.

Despite Liverpool’s defensive issues, they still dominate games by having a lot of possession and they have won a lot of corners. Liverpool average 6.14 corners per 90, the 4th highest in the league, and have only failed to have over 4.5 corners against Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Manchester United in their last 10 matches in all competitions.

Against teams outside the top 6, Liverpool have had at least 5 corners in 6 of their last 8 matches. Leeds concede 4.53 corners per 90 and have conceded 4.43 per 90 since Gracia took over. Leeds have conceded exactly 4 corners in all of their last 3 matches but Liverpool win enough corners that they should get a 5th here.