Liverpool vs Leicester City Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Liverpool:
Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Henderson, Elliott, Salah, Firmino, Jota
Leicester City:
Schmeichel; Pereira, Vestergaard, Soyuncu, Thomas; Ndidi, Tielemans; Albrighton, Maddison, Daka; Iheanacho
Liverpool are looking for the fifth consecutive victory when they welcome Brendan Rodgers' Leicester City to Anfield on Thursday. The Reds managed to beat Brentford and Crystal Palace in the Premier League, Arsenal in League Cup, as well as Cardiff City in the FA Cup. Jurgen Klopp's men won 3:1 against the Championship outfit, but the victory was overshadowed by Harvey Elliott's return. The 18-year-old played his first match after nearly five months on the sidelines with a horrific ankle injury. Elliott, together with Diogo Jota and Takumi Minamino, were the scorers in a 3:1 win. New acquisition Luis Diaz, who came from Porto, also impressed on his debut registering the first assist for his new club. Diaz is hoping to make his full debut for Liverpool, while Mo Salah and Sadio Mane are also in contention following their return from the Africa Cup of Nations. As You probably know, they played each against other in the final in which Senegal won on penalties. Divock Origi has recovered from a knee injury. Finally, Joe Gomez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have returned from isolation after testing positive for COVID-19.
Leicester City are in the middle of the table with 26 points, but have three matches in hand as their games with Norwich, Everton and Burnley were called off due to a COVID-19 outbreak. The actual form isn't at desired level. The Foxes lost 3:2 to Tottenham and shared the points with Brighton. Both matches were played at the King Power Stadium. I believe the players confidence isn't high like previously. To be worse, they were eliminated by Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup. Leicester lost 4:1 and Rodgers admitted that he was "embarrassed" by the display. The fans weren't "good" too, they provoked several incidents before the match, while one fan was arrested after running on to the pitch as Forest players celebrated the third goal. Rodgers could be without a number of players for this match, including the key striker Jamie Vardy. In addition, Jonny Evans, Timothy Castagne, Ryan Bertrand and Wesley Fofana remain sidelined through injuries. Some changes are expected after the shameful FA Cup loss to Nottingham Forest, so Boubakary Soumare, Patson Daka and Marc Albrighton could start at Anfield. Nampalys Mendy was also at Africa Cup of Nations and the midfielder will likely need some time before returning to first-team action.
Liverpool vs Leicester City Prediction:
This will be the third match between two sides in less than two months. Liverpool managed to eliminate the Foxes in the Carabao Cup. It was a very interesting clash, Brendon Rodgers' men had 3:1 after the first half, but conceded twice in the second. Then, Luke Thomas and Ryan Bertrand missed the penalties and Liverpool secured the semi-finals. Six days later the Foxes beat Liverpool in the Premier League. I expect another close game. Leicester could be competitive once again.
Liverpool vs Leicester City Pick: Leicester City +2.0 AH @ 1.85 with
Pinnacle