Blood Red: The Liverpool FC Podcast Liverpool vs Leeds United Preview: Team News, Key Battles, Tactics, Form and Predictions
Dec 31, 2025
Ian Doyle, Chief Liverpool FC correspondent for the Liverpool ECHO, shares his tactical insights and expertise on team dynamics. He dives into Liverpool's set-piece struggles and contrasts the current squad's physicality with Klopp's earlier teams. The pair discuss Leeds United’s recent form and key threats, plus the implications of Mohamed Salah's upcoming AFCON absence. Predicting the lineup, Ian and his co-host analyze how tactical adjustments could change the game's outcome, wrapping up with score predictions and expectations.
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Set-Piece Problems Are A Major Issue
- Liverpool's set-piece record in the Premier League is poor this season and has been a recurring problem.
- Ian Doyle notes the issue contrasts with their stronger Champions League set-piece record, showing an inconsistent trend.
Assign Clear Set-Piece Responsibility
- Clubs should allocate clear responsibility and resources for set-piece coaching rather than expecting it as a side task.
- Ian Doyle explains Liverpool removed Aaron Briggs because the role had become solely his and fell short.
Set Pieces Affect League Standing
- Ian Doyle links set-piece balance directly to league points and table position.
- He highlights Arsenal's strong set-piece balance as a factor in their 13-point lead over Liverpool.