Ex-Liverpool striker Michael Owen is predicting an exciting game when the Reds host newly-promoted Leeds at Anfield on Saturday evening.

The BT Sport pundit does think Marcelo Bielsa’s team will go head to head against the league champions and, while he believes the Yorkshire club will pose a threat, he expects Liverpool to eventually come out on top in the season opener:

“It’s always a tricky way to start a new campaign but on this occasion, I don’t think the fixture should hold too many fears for Liverpool. I am really looking forward to watching Leeds this season as I love the way they go about their business and I think one thing we can guarantee with Marcelo Bielsa’s team is entertainment. I am actually going for an entertaining game in this clash of old rivals but fancy Liverpool to come out on top with a 3-1 victory at Anfield.”

Owen’s prediction looks to be bang on the money. Leeds don’t generally defend deep and Bielsa will encourage his team to press from the front, and for that reason, you would expect them to score a goal.

At the same time, though, their expansive style will cause them problems at the back and you would expect Jurgen Klopp to task his forward line to win the ball back high up the pitch and expose Leeds on the break.

With it being the first league game of the season as well, there is likely to be some ring rust so it could turn out to be a pretty open affair.