Liverpool vs Leicester City Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Liverpool:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Thiago, Fabinho, Elliott; Salah, Nunez, Carvalho
Leicester City:
Ward; Castagne, Amartey, Faes, Thomas; Ndidi, Tielemans; Perez, Dewsbury-Hall, Barnes; Vardy
The Premier League festive period continue on Friday when Liverpool host Leicester City at Anfield. The Reds were inconsistent before the World Cup break, and continued that way after. Liverpool were eliminated from the EFL Cup, losing 3:2 to Manchester City, but managed to beat Aston Villa 3:1 in the Premier League on Monday. Jurgen Klopp's men were very good at Villa Park. Salah's fifth-minute opener - created by a couple of sublime passes from full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson - gave them a perfect start. Van Dijk add a second before half-time when his shot deflected in off Ezri Konsa following a corner. Aston Villa scored after the restart when Watkins headed in Douglas Luiz's cross and the fans were hoping their team could escape the defeat. However, the 18-year-old Stefan Bajcetic netted his first Premier League goal in the 81st minute after coming on as a substitute. At this point I will mention Andy Robertson. The Scottish left-back become the defender with the most assists in Premier League history. He moved one ahead of former Everton full-back Leighton Baines on 54 assists. Robertson should start again and he will try to provide another assist. Ibrahima Konate who took part in the World Cup final in Qatar, has returned to training this week, but it will be a surprise to see him starting in this match. Klopp will also be without James Milner, Roberto Firmino, Curtis Jones, Arthur, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota.
Leicester City secured a place in the EFL Cup quarter-finals, but suffered a heavy 3:0 defeat to Newcastle on Monday. Chris Wood's penalty, Miguel Almiron's composed finish and Joelinton's header in the first half decided the match It was a painful defeat that came after a good period that suggested the end of the crisis. Indeed, the Foxes have have conceded just one goal in seven games prior to the World Cup break. The situation is not critical, but the fact they are just four points away from the drop zone means there is no space for relaxation. If something is positive, that's the away form. Leicester recorded four straight victories on the road in all competitions. Manager Brendan Rodgers has big injury issues ahead of this match. Key player Maddison, who didn't play against Newcastle on Monday, will probably remain sidelined through a knee injury. Dennis Praet suffered an injury against the Magpies and had to come off after 17 minutes. The severity of his problem isn't confirmed, but he is expected to miss out the trip to Anfield. In addition, Ryan Bertrand, Ricardo Pereira. James Justin and Jonny Evans remain sidelined. The key striker Jamie Vardy, who started at the bench against Newcastle, should lead the line here.
Liverpool vs Leicester City Prediction:
The Reds are sixth on the table, five points off fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur with a game in hand. It is clear they are not at last season's level. The arrival of Gakpo will improve the attack, but this match come too soon for him. The home form isn't at desired level, they have already dropped seven points at Anfield. Leicester are also inconsistent, but I expect to score at Anfield. The Foxes are in series of three awaz victories in the Premier League, scoring 8 goals in the process. I expect both teams to score.
Liverpool vs Leicester City Pick: Both teams to score - Yes @ 1.79 with
Pinnacle