Leicester vs Liverpool
England – Premier League
Date: Thursday, 26 December 2019
Kick-off at 20:00 UK / 21:00 CET
Venue: King Power Stadium (Leicester).

On October 5th, Liverpool hosted Leicester at Anfield. Leicester looked strong, but Liverpool was better. However, it almost ended in a draw.

Possession was even, but Liverpool created many more chances. They got off 18 shots (8 on target) to Leicester’s 2 and 1. Given the disparity, it’s not surprising that Liverpool had a 3.75 xG to Leicester’s .1. However, it wasn’t until a late penalty in the box against Sadio Mane and a James Milner conversion from the spot that  put the game away for the Reds. The final score: 2-1.

Two months later, these sides are 1st and 2nd in the table. Liverpool are returning to England from Qatar as champions of the world. Jurgen Klopp’s crew won the FIFA Club World Cup last Saturday. They defeated two quality sides in Monterrey (Mexico) and Flamengo (Brazil) to claim the only major trophy the club has never won.

That’s the good news.

The bad news is they lost in-form Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to an ankle injury. And they may be physically and emotionally drained from the long trip.

Leicester, however, have only taken 1 point from their previous two domestic matches. They drew Norwich 1-1 (!!!) and lost to third-place Manchester City 3-1 at the Etihad.

Leicester City Team News, Updates and Facts

Leicester Team News

Brendan Rodgers has basically a full side to pick from here as he looks to derail his former club by handing them their first PL loss of the season at the King Power.

Leicester Key Man

If there is a man that loves to play against Liverpool more than Jamie Vardy, we’d like to see  him.  The Englishman has scored some very important goals against them before (and other bigger sides) as well and is the leading scorer in the division with 17 goals.  He just needs half a yard, and that’s what makes him so dangerous.  Harvey Barnes is also going to be interesting to watch.  With Liverpool’s tendency to stream their full backs up, his pace and guile- he has five assists- could be on display.

Leicester Team Form

Leicester have a loss, two draws, and two wins in their last five matches:

3-1 loss at Manchester City
2-2 draw, penalty win at Everton (EFL Cup)
1-1 home draw vs Norwich
1-4 win at Aston Villa
2-0 home win vs Watford

Leicester City Predicted Starting Line up

Expected Line up: 4-5-1

Liverpool Team News, Updates and Facts

Liverpool Team News

Jurgen Klopp will have to hope his side can get their fitness back here after their Club World Cup triumph.  They have even less depth available to them now following it, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain set to miss out along with fellow midfielder Fabinho and defenders Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip.  Gini Wijnaldum is back training and might be ready to play some role here.

Liverpool Key Man

If it wasn’t for Roberto Firmino, Liverpool wouldn’t be world champions right now.  The Brazilian had gone nearly the entire year without scoring in back-to-back games, yet he did so, including striking the winner, in Qatar.  He’s that vital to them, even when he’s not scoring and he can’t be overlooked for his quality.  In midfield, Jordan Henderson showed why he’s the captain.  He was composed in all aspects of the game, and his pass set Mane up to assist Firmino, showing how hugely important he’s become and will remain for years at the club.

Liverpool Team Form

Liverpool have four wins and a loss in their last five matches:

1-0 ET vs Flamengo (Club World Cup)
1-2 win vs Monterrey (CWC)
5-0 loss at Aston Villa (EFL Cup)
2-0 home win vs Watford
0-2 win at RB Salzburg (UCL)

Liverpool Predicted Starting Line up

Expected Line up: 4-3-3