Premier League football returns on New Year's Day with a fascinating clash as Liverpool host Leeds United at Anfield. The match, which kicks off at the slightly unusual time of 5.30pm on Thursday 1 January 2026, promises to be a compelling encounter following the sides' thrilling 3-3 draw just last month.
How to watch Liverpool vs Leeds on TV and online
For fans in the United Kingdom, the broadcast rights for this Premier League fixture are held by Sky Sports. The match will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Ultra HDR. Coverage is expected to begin one hour prior to kick-off, featuring the usual pre-match analysis, expert commentary, and the latest team news.
If you prefer to stream the action, there are two main options. Existing Sky TV customers can use the Sky Go app to watch on a compatible smartphone, tablet, or computer. Alternatively, you can purchase a NOW TV daily or monthly sports pass, which grants instant access to Sky Sports channels without a long-term contract.
Team news and injury concerns for both sides
Liverpool will be forced to cope without their talismanic forward Mohamed Salah, who is away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations. The injury list at Anfield is also a significant concern for manager Arne Slot. Definite absentees include Alexander Isak, Joe Gomez, and Giovanni Leoni, while there remains a question mark over the fitness of midfielder Florian Wirtz.
Leeds United travel to Merseyside with their own selection headache. Key defender Joe Rodon is ruled out due to an ankle injury. However, they will be boosted by the red-hot form of striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has scored in each of his last six Premier League appearances.
What's at stake in this Premier League encounter?
This fixture carries considerable weight for both clubs as they pursue very different seasonal objectives. Liverpool sit fourth in the table and are determined to secure a victory that keeps them firmly in the hunt for a Champions League qualification spot during a busy winter schedule.
For Leeds, currently positioned 16th in the league, the mission is about survival. A positive result at one of England's most formidable grounds would provide a massive confidence boost and crucial points in their battle to move clear of the relegation zone. Their spirits will be lifted by a hard-earned 1-1 draw away at Sunderland in their last outing.
The recent history between these teams suggests goals are likely. Their previous meeting at Elland Road on 6 December ended in a dramatic 3-3 stalemate, sealed by Ao Tanaka's 96th-minute equaliser for Leeds after Liverpool had led twice.
