Leeds v Liverpool predictions: Mohamed Salah set to lead by example

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for the Premier League clash between Leeds and Liverpool at Elland Road on Monday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Premier League & Main Event, 8pm, Monday

Best bet

Mohamed Salah first goalscorer
1pt each-way 13-5 bet365

Team news

Leeds
Winger Raphinha is a doubt with the thigh injury suffered in the win at Manchester City. Captain Liam Cooper misses the first of three games after his red card at the Etihad, while Adam Forshaw and Rodrigo are injured.

Liverpool
Diogo Jota could start ahead of Roberto Firmino in attack. However, the Reds remain without captain Jordan Henderson, Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and Divock Origi.

Match preview

The race for the Premier League Golden Boot is heating up and Mohamed Salah can boost his chances of picking up the award by inspiring Liverpool to victory at Leeds.

Harry Kane tops the scoring chart after firing both of Tottenham's goals in Friday's 2-2 draw at Everton, that double taking the England captain's tally for the campaign to 21 goals, two clear of Salah.

However, after limping off at Goodison Park with a suspected ankle injury, there is uncertainty about when Kane will next get the chance to improve on his haul.

In contrast, the Egyptian seems to be finding his form and having netted a hat-trick in the reverse fixture, he'll be hoping for more of the same at Elland Road as he targets a third Golden Boot.

That previous meeting came on the opening weekend and arguably set the tone for both clubs' rollercoaster campaigns. After Salah's opener on four minutes, the sides abandoned their defensive principles in a thrilling 4-3 win for the Reds.

Like several other sides, Leeds' form this season has been better away from home. The Whites have won just six of their 15 outings at Elland Road, the most recent of those being a 2-1 victory against Sheffield United at the start of the month.

That triumph came between successes at Fulham and, more impressively, Manchester City last time out. Having won their last three games 2-1, a top-half finish is a realistic goal for Marcelo Bielsa's men and they are again likely to take the game to their opponents.

Opponents Liverpool were eliminated from the Champions League by Real Madrid last week but have also won their last three Premier League games to boost their top-four hopes.

Jurgen Klopp's side have had a mixed 2021, losing ten of 21 games in all competitions. However, their current run equals their best streak of the season, matching the three wins they opened the campaign with, a run that included their success against the Whites.

Salah will be sure to use that game as an inspiration and he and his teammates know that a victory would lift them to fourth in the Premier League, albeit having played a game more than Chelsea.

With Liverpool unbeaten in these sides' last nine meetings, history is on their side, while they've also lost only one of their last 11 trips to Elland Road.

Leeds' love for playing on the front foot is likely to leave them susceptible on the break, leaving space for Salah to shine. The 28-year-old has scored in his last two Premier League games and last three in all competitions, and it would be no surprise to see him extend that run.

Key stat

Mohamed Salah has scored in his last two Premier League matches.

Not got a bet365 account? Sign up today and get up to £100 in bet credits

Up to £100 in Bet Credits for new customers at bet365. Min deposit £5. Bet Credits available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.

CLAIM OFFER HERE

MORE FREE BETS

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport