Liverpool face Leeds United at Soldier Field in Chicago on Sunday 2 August, kicking off at 3pm local time (9pm BST), in the final fixture of Liverpool's three-city US tour.
Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League last season on 60 points, a disappointing title defence given the £446 million spent the previous summer, a campaign that ultimately cost Arne Slot his job before Andoni Iraola arrived from Bournemouth to take charge at Anfield.
The underlying numbers remained strong despite the league finish, an xPTS total of 58.55 ranked fourth in the division, supported by 157 shots on target, the third highest total in the league, alongside 36 big chances created against 24 conceded.
Their xGA of 47.9 ranked fifth, suggesting there is still room for defensive improvement under the new head coach. Leeds finished 14th on 47 points in their first season back in the top flight under Daniel Farke, although their underlying numbers pointed to a stronger campaign than the table suggested.
Their xPTS total of 53.13 ranked eighth, while 54.0 xG also placed them inside the top half. They created 37 big chances but also conceded 32, while allowing 148 shots on target across the season, producing an xGA of 52.0, the 10th best record in the division.
Liverpool's summer has been shaped as much by departures as arrivals. Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson have both moved on, while centre-back Jeremy Jacquet has arrived from Rennes for £60 million as the long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk. With Van Dijk still unavailable and Jacquet only just returning to full training, Iraola has relied on 18-year-olds Talla Ndiaye and Ife Ndukwe in central defence, while Luke Chambers also filled in there against Wrexham.
Iraola has confirmed Florian Wirtz will be used in a central attacking role rather than out wide, while Alexander Isak is expected to make his first preseason appearance after Sweden's World Cup campaign. Leeds have also strengthened, with a deal to bring in goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City edging closer whilst defender Tarik Muharemovic has joined from Sassuolo, with Farke still targeting further additions before the transfer window closes.
Liverpool opened Iraola's reign with a 4-2 victory over Sunderland before edging previously unbeaten Wrexham 1-0 in New York, Rio Ngumoha's deflected winner proving enough despite a late scare from Kieffer Moore.
Joe Gomez was forced off through injury in both fixtures, further highlighting Liverpool's defensive shortage. Leeds began their US tour with a 3-2 defeat to Wrexham before responding with a 1-0 victory over Sunderland in New Jersey, Lukas Nmecha scoring the only goal with an early finish via the post.
How the bookies view it
At the time of writing there are no odds available for this fixture.
Head to head: Liverpool have a strong record in this fixture
Liverpool have dominated this fixture in recent years, winning 10 of the last 16 meetings, with Leeds claiming just one victory alongside five draws.
The clubs met twice in the Premier League last season, drawing 3-3 at Elland Road before playing out a goalless draw at Anfield on New Year's Day.
Player to watch: Dominik Szoboszlai
Dominik Szoboszlai has quickly become one of the constants in Andoni Iraola's early Liverpool line-ups, starting both matches on the US tour and captaining the side against Wrexham.
With Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson both gone and several senior defenders still unavailable, the Hungary international looks set to become one of the new manager's key leaders. He started all 36 Premier League matches last season, contributing six goals and seven assists while featuring in six different positions, underlining both his versatility and importance.
Predicted line ups
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Ramsay, Ndukwe, Chambers, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Nyoni; Abe, Elliott, Scanlon; Koumas.
Leeds United (3-4-3): Cairns; Rodon, Muharemovic, Bornauw; Bogle, Longstaff, Tanaka, Gudmundsson; Wilson, Nmecha, Mills.
Anything else catch the eye?
Neither defence looks settled enough to trust. Liverpool continue to piece together a makeshift back four while waiting for senior defenders to return, and Leeds are still integrating new arrivals after conceding three goals to Wrexham earlier on the tour.
At the other end, both sides have shown enough attacking quality to suggest chances will come. Liverpool have scored five goals across two matches despite rotating heavily, while Leeds responded to their opening defeat by beating Sunderland and creating enough opportunities to deserve the result.
With both managers expected to continue sharing minutes throughout their squads, another open contest looks the most likely outcome. My preferred angle, once markets become available, would be over 2.5 goals.
Liverpool vs Leeds Utd Betting Tips & Predictions
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