Arne Slot's Liverpool faces mounting pressure as they prepare to visit Elland Road, hoping to reverse a dismal run of just two wins in their last nine league matches. Their recent 1-1 draw against Sunderland, following a 2-0 win over West Ham, has not significantly eased the scrutiny on the manager. Conversely, Leeds United, under Daniel Farke, appears to have found a crucial formula to avoid relegation, riding high on confidence after a 3-1 mid-week victory against Chelsea.

Leeds' recent turnaround can be attributed to a significant tactical shift made by Daniel Farke during the Manchester City game. Changing from a 4-1-4-1 to a 3-5-2 formation has transformed Leeds from relegation candidates into a formidable unit. This three-at-the-back system optimally utilizes the strengths of key players. The forward pairing of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha offers relentless running and aerial prowess, historically a weakness for Liverpool's defense. The midfield trio of Ao Tanaka, Ethan Ampadu, and Anton Stach provides a balanced mix of tenacity and composure, essential for the formation's demands. This tactical tweak led to a dramatic increase in offensive output: against City, the 3-5-2 generated 7 shots, 1.44 xG, and two goals in the second half, compared to 2 shots and 0.1 xG in the first. Against Chelsea, it resulted in 17 shots, 2.79 xG, and three goals, demonstrating Farke's winning formula, which has consistently troubled Liverpool.

Set-pieces present a clear advantage for Leeds and a persistent vulnerability for Liverpool. Leeds has scored seven goals from set-pieces this season, while Liverpool has conceded ten, with a majority stemming from second- or third-ball situations after unconvincing clearances. Furthermore, Liverpool has been toothless on their own attacking set-pieces, scoring only two. This contrast in set-piece effectiveness, combined with Leeds' aerial ability, could be a decisive factor in the match.

The form of Mohamed Salah continues to be a major talking point for Liverpool. His output has sharply declined from 13 goals and eight assists at this point last season to just four goals and two assists this season. He was benched for the entire West Ham game and had little impact as a substitute against Sunderland. Virgil van Dijk's comments suggest that no player, including Salah, has unlimited credit and everyone must perform. Given Liverpool's struggle to convert chances (Salah has missed more big chances than anyone in the squad and underperformed his xGOT), Slot may continue to adjust the lineup in pursuit of better shooting efficiency or a more defensively balanced unit.

For Liverpool, Florian Wirtz is identified as a crucial player. Despite an initial slow start to the Premier League, his intelligent play, such as creating the chance for Liverpool's lone goal against Sunderland, indicates he is adapting. Slot will be hoping this sparks a return to the form that saw him net 31 goals and assists in 45 matches last season. Against Leeds' compact 3-5-2, Wirtz's ability to operate in the pockets of space between the opposition's defensive and midfield lines will be vital. His high ranking in passes attempted (95th percentile) and progressive passes (91st percentile) among attacking midfielders and wingers highlights his willingness to take risks and maintain offensive momentum, which Liverpool desperately needs to overcome their attacking rut.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin remains Leeds' key offensive threat. Liverpool has consistently struggled to deal with long-ball-and-knock-down strategies this season, a method Calvert-Lewin excels at. With Virgil van Dijk's defensive intensity described as lackadaisical and Ibrahima Konaté's as almost non-existent, Calvert-Lewin will be eager to exploit Liverpool's defensive frailties. His recent form, with two goals in two games against strong opponents like Manchester City and Chelsea, ensures high confidence. Partnered with Lukas Nmecha's relentless running, Leeds presents an old-school striker duo that poses a significant challenge for Arne Slot's defensive strategies.

The head-to-head record heavily favors Liverpool, who have won ten and drawn three of their last 14 meetings with Leeds, with Leeds' last victory dating back to 2000. However, Leeds' current home form is impressive, having lost only two of their last 14 matches at Elland Road (W8, D4). In terms of team news, Leeds will be without Daniel James (thigh) and Sean Longstaff. Liverpool hopes to see Conor Bradley return from a muscular injury, but Jeremie Frimpong (thigh) and Giovanni Leoni (ACL) are out. Mohamed Salah is expected to be restored to Liverpool's starting lineup. Possible lineups include: Leeds (Perri; Rodon, Bijol, Struijk; Bogle, Stach, Tanaka, Ampadu, Gudmundsson; Calvert-Lewin, Nmecha) and Liverpool (Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike). Given Leeds' resurgence and home advantage, a draw with over 2.5 goals and Calvert-Lewin as an anytime goalscorer is a plausible prediction, alongside over 8.5 corners.