Leicester City will host Liverpool tonight in what will be the first game under their interim boss Craig Shakespeare. The Foxes have been the hot topic in the last few days after Claudio Ranieri was sacked and the players would like to end it by making a statement with a win over Liverpool.
Team News
Leicester City- Interim manager Craig Shakespeare will find himself in deep waters taking the reins from the departed Claudio Ranieri as he has quite a crisis up front. Islam Slimani is likely to be a doubt for the fixture with a groin injury. Craig Shakespeare will most probably be playing Jamie Vardy in this position. Another major doubt up front is Leonardo Ulloa with a shoulder injury. The Argentine has expressed his desire of moving out of the King Power Stadium and things are pretty restrained between him and the club.
The newest recruit Molla Wague, who joined the club on a loan until the end of the season from Granada CF is out with a shoulder injury and won’t feature in the game.
Liverpool- Liverpool have quite a healthy squad for the game. The only long-term injury absence is Danny Ings, who is out for the season with a knee injury. Among the recent returns include Dejan Lovren and Daniel Sturridge, who were sidelined by a knee issue and a virus respectively.
Although Lovren has a chance of making it to the first team, we expect Klopp to start with Lucas as a precautionary option.
Predicted Line-ups
Leicester City- Mignolet; Milner, Lucas, Matip, Clyne; Wijnaldum, Henderson, Lallana; Coutinho, Firmino, Mane
Liverpool- Schmeichel; Fuchs, Huth, Morgan, Simpson; Drinkwater, Ndidi; Musa, Mahrez, Albrighton; Vardy
Key Players
Leicester City- Liverpool fans will still remember Jamie Vardy’s audacious volley from far out last season, which pretty much nailed the idea that Leicester were winning the title. He will definitely be the danger man for Liverpool. Riyad Mahrez will be another threat. Although the Algerian has been a shadow of himself from last season, we know what he is capable of.
Liverpool- Sadio Mane will be Klopp’s main weapon undoubtedly. His return from the AFCON has been a blessing for Liverpool and he will have the task of making things happen up front. Coutinho will obviously be orchestrating things as well. The Brazilian is always a threat from set-pieces and can get goals from the most difficult of positions.
Odds
Leicester City @ 5.25
Draw @ 4.00
Liverpool @ 1.70
