The first assignment of 2026 for reigning Premier League champions Liverpool was a home game against Leeds United on New Year’s Day. Remarkably, just 26 days had passed since these two teams produced one of the games of the season, a thrilling 3-3 draw at Elland Road, in addition to an explosive post-match interview from Mohamed Salah.

Preview the matchup between Liverpool FC and Leeds United with predictions, odds, over/under, betting lines and more.

Dominik Szoboszlai will not play for Liverpool today in the match against Wolves. The Hungarian midfielder is not injured, but he is suspended, which rules him out for today’s game. In his place, Federico Chiesa will start his first Premier League game at Anfield.

Liverpool will mark an emotional occasion on Saturday when Diogo Jota’s sons take part as mascots ahead of the Premier League meeting with Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield. Dinis and Duarte, two of Jota’s three children with his wife Rute Cardoso, will walk out with the players before kick-off in a moment loaded with significance.

Liverpool welcome Leeds to Anfield on New Year's Day. Arne Slot's men have rolled off 3 consecutive league victories and will look to keep the momentum going.

Recent league wins over Brighton, Tottenham and Wolves papered over the cracks in patchy performances as the champions climbed back into the top four. But against Leeds, there was no hiding place. The new-look Liverpool was supposed to be built for assignments like this.