Liverpool vs Leicester Prediction

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Sky Sports (UK, NI, CI, IoM)

Liverpool vs Leicester Prediction Match Overview

The two teams meet for their second Premier League fixtures since the recommencement. Indeed, the game is scheduled for 30 December at Anfield, with kick-off at 8 pm. Both teams still have several players missing, as detailed above. Liverpool did well to win their first match back at Villa Park. A gorgeous Trent-Alexander Arnold pass split the defence in the sixth minute, allowing Andy Robertson to square the ball for Mo Salah’s seventh league goal of the season. Virgil Van Dijk added a second before half-time. Ollie Watkins pulled one back in the second half before Stefan Bajcetic made the game safe. Liverpool are on a run where they have accumulated 13 points from the last 18 at home. The only blips were a 3-3 draw to Brighton and a shock 2-1 loss to Leeds. Nonetheless, Liverpool are sixth in the home form table over the last six matches (and fifth in the overall form table). They will be confident entering this game.

Leicester were very disappointing in their first match back against Newcastle. Expectations were high, given Leicester being near the top in the overall form table. However, early goals by Chris Wood and Miguel Almiron put them 2-0 down after eight minutes. Joelinton added a third before half-time, and then Newcastle professionally played out the match in the second half. Despite this result, Leicester have won 12 points from 18 in their last six games. Encouragingly, this run includes wins in their previous three away games against West Ham, Everton, and Wolves. However, Anfield will be an entirely different proposition.

Liverpool vs Leicester Team News

Injuries and Suspensions

Might Not Play: Konate (Liverpool)

Will Not Play: Milner, Jones, Arthur, Firmino, Jota, Diaz (Liverpool); Pereira, Bertrand, Justin, Evans, Praet, Maddison (Leicester)

Possible Lineups

Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson; Andrew Robertson, Virgil Van Dijk, Joel Matip, Trent Alexander-Arnold; Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago Alcantara; Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez

Leicester (4-3-3): Danny Ward; Luke Thomas, Wout Faes, Daniel Amartey, Timothy Castagne; Wilfred Ndidi, Youri Tielemans, Kieran Dewsbury-Hall; Harvey Barnes, Ayoze Perez, Patson Daka

Liverpool vs Leicester Prediction Analysis

Stopping Liverpool From Starting Quickly

It is well-known that Liverpool come roaring out of the blocks in their games at Anfield to try to suffocate the opposition and score early goals. Leicester must be mindful of this. Ndidi, Tielemans, and Deswbury-Hall in midfield must be brave in possession and not allow Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago and the forwards to surround them and win the ball. If Liverpool lose the ball, they will try to win it back high instantly by deploying their counter-press. Hence, Leicester’s midfielders and defenders will have little time in possession. Therefore, Thomas and Castagne must beware of being closed down in the wide areas by Oxlade-Chamberlain and Salah. The central areas of the team (defence, midfield, and Daka up front) must also try to maintain the ball with excellent ball control and good short passing. Leicester will be in for a long night if they cannot gain a foothold in the match. Thus, they must be diligent in their technique and also try to make challenges to disrupt Liverpool’s rhythm. Leicester must be cautious and try to play their way through the hosts. An expectant and demanding Anfield crowd is one of the best in Europe. Indeed, away teams often crumble upon visiting this pressure cauldron. Hence, Leicester must keep their heads.

Liverpool in Wide Areas

Liverpool are generally excellent out wide, but Diaz’s long-term absence weakens their left side. Nevertheless, Oxlade-Chamberlain is an able replacement, and he has the trickery to beat players out wide. Robertson will be his usual self – flying up and down the wing to deliver crosses for Nunez to attack. However, the right side is Liverpool’s better side, with Alexander-Arnold and Salah. Alexander-Arnold’s outstanding passing and overlapping of Salah could be massive weapons in this match, especially as Leicester often look suspect when balls are delivered into the box. Indeed, Amartey and Faes must beware of these crosses. Likewise, Thomas has his work cut out in defending against the pacey and clever Salah. He will need help from his defensive midfielders and his centre-back on that side. As well as crosses, Liverpool will look to enter the box through their clever interplay and interchanging positions. Liverpool will also move the ball from side to side and look to catch Leicester out with the space on the other side. Indeed, Alexander-Arnold and Roberton enjoy playing diagonal crossfield passes to each other, and this quick play could upset Leicester’s shape. The width will be crucial for them in breaking Leicester down and bringing Nunez into the game. The Uruguayan has been missing chances and must improve his finishing in this game. Elliott and Carvalho are possible second-half introductions to add further impetus out wide.

Leicester’s Potential Counter-Attack

If the Midlands team are to get anything from this game, they will have to keep Liverpool out early on and make the home crowd anxious. They can then look to feel their way into the game and build counter-attacks as their confidence grows. In this situation, the Liverpool midfielders must try to control the game, retain the ball and not allow Leicester a route into the match. Missing Maddison is a bitter blow, but there is enough pace and dribbling ability in wide areas with Barnes and Perez to attack the spaces the Liverpool full-backs leave. They can also attack Robertson and Alexander-Arnold themselves when they are in position. Thiago, Henderson, and Fabinho must cover these spaces or support the full-backs when the two Leicester wingers and full-backs attack. Thomas might be more restrained given the threat Liverpool pose on their right so that Leicester may attack more down Castagne’s side (Liverpool’s left). The deeper Leicester midfielders must be disciplined and cover.

Regardless, attacking with pace on the break is the best way for Leicester to get something from this game. Daka must use his speed and movement to find positions and take any chances when they arrive. If he is not doing his job adequately, Vardy can be introduced. The veteran entered at half-time against Newcastle, and Leicester looked better for it. We think Daka will start again, but Vardy should play a role. Iheanacho is another option. Leicester would feel much more confident if Maddison was fit, however.

Beat the Bookmaker Liverpool vs Leicester Prediction

Leicester have been in good form recently, though the result against Newcastle earlier in the week will have come as a blow. The World Cup break may have destroyed any momentum they were building, and they come to Anfield as heavy underdogs. Indeed, Liverpool looked good against Villa, and there are signs of resurgence for them. They looked more like their old selves. Both teams have scored in Liverpool’s last four games, whereas one has kept a clean sheet in each of Leicester’s last seven. Therefore, something has to give. Ultimately, we see Liverpool being far too strong at home in this match, especially as Leicester are missing their most creative and best player in Maddison. Jurgen Klopp should outsmart ex-Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers. Indeed, Liverpool will look to continue their good form and make another statement in the race for the top four. We think Leicester might score a goal, possibly a consolation.

Liverpool 3-1 Leicester

Beat the Bookmaker Liverpool vs Leicester Prediction – Liverpool -1 Handicap (Need to win by 2 goal margin) Odds: