Liverpool vs Leicester City Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Liverpool:
Alisson; N. Williams, Fabinho, Matip, Robertson; Jones, Wijnaldum, Naby Keita; Diogo Jota, Firmino, Mane
Leicester City:
Schmeichel; Fofana, Evans, Fuchs; Castagne, Mendy, Tielemans, Justin; Maddison, Vardy, Barnes
Liverpool have 17 points, while Leicester City one more. The reigning champions are not superior like they were previous season. Jurgen Klopp's team already showed lot of weaknesses, they have conceded 16 goals after 8 matches. Most of these goals were received from Aston Villa, when the Reds suffered the worst defeat in the club's history (7:2). But German coach has enormous injury issues ahead of this match. Virgil van Dijk, the best European defender) is sidelined for at least six months with a knee-ligaments injury. His partner Joe Gomez could also miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury suffered while on international duty with England last week. The 23-year-old underwent successful surgery last week. So, both first-choice central defenders are unavailable for the longer period. The only other senior option on that position is Joel Matip. Of course, young and inexperienced Nathaniel Phillips and Rhys Williams are also in contention. But there is more, right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has limped off against Manchester City in the last round due to hamstring injury and won't play at least a month. The good news is that left-back Andy Robertson has recovered from a hamstring complaint and played against Israel in midweek. But it will be smart to be rested from this match with Kostas Tsimikas waiting in reserve. So, three of the four defenders are sidelined through injuries. It is clear Liverpool are very, very handicapped, not only for this game and not only in defense. Captain Jordan Henderson also got injury with the national team and won't play here, while Thiago Alcantara is rated as doubtful. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is closing in on return to action, but it is clear this match comes too soon for him. Finally, the best scorer Mohamed Salah is in isolation after tested positive on coronavirus. He was in Egypt on international duty, during which time he was filmed attending his brother’s wedding in Cairo, not wearing a mask. Mo returned to England on Friday, after securing a private flight with fellow compatriot and Arsenal star Mohamed Elneny, who also tested positive for coronavirus.
Leicester City play the new season in great style. The Foxes are in series of three victories which saw them occupying the first place on the table. They managed to beat Arsenal, Leeds United and Wolverhampton. Two of these three victories were narrow - Jamie Vardy scored the only goal against the Gunners, as so against the Wolves. Leicester were much more efficient against the Whites and secured a 4:1 win. Youri Tielemans was the key name on that match after scored a brace, while Vardy continued his series. The remaining goal was netted by Harvey Barnes. Leicester sit on the top position for the first time after the season 2015/16 when they won the title. The atmosphere in the squad is excellent, while the players confidence is high. Some of the fans start to dream again, while some of the fans are betting on their team to become champions. The fans can't support their players due to coronavirus, but they have faith Leicester could be crowned champions again. Who knows, maybe it is possible Brendon Rodgers' players to repeat what seemed like a once-in-a-lifetime achievement. The Irishman is enjoying the moment, even he has some injury worries too. Wilfred Ndidi, Daniel Amartey and Caglar Soyuncu remain sidelined, as well as Ricardo Pereira. The latest is close to full fitness, but this match comes too soon for him. On the positive note, Timothy Castagne and Wesley Fofana are available.
Liverpool vs Leicester City Prediction:
Jamie Vardy will lead Leicester attack in an attempt to improve his tally of 8 goals in 7 league games this season. But there is more - should Vardy score at Anfield, he will equal Thierry Henry's Premier League record of scoring in five successive away games. Considering the fact Liverpool are missing three key defenders (Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez), I think motivated Vardy will score.
Liverpool vs Leicester City Pick: Jamie Vardy to score anytime @ 2.05 with
Bet365