A shambolic home defeat against Manchester City has categorically derailed the depleted Liverpool from the title race. However, a finish in the Top 4 is still up for grabs, and the same would still be an achievement for them, considering the crisis they have been through this ongoing term. The Saturday afternoon tie against Leicester City would be crucial for Liverpool to stay a step ahead of the others in the ‘top four’ hunt.
The Foxes have been a galvanised force since Brendan Rodgers’ appointment as the Leicester chief, and they are in the mix alongside the league’s ‘big six’ for a shot at Champions League qualification. The former Liverpool boss has grown his managerial skills with time and would look to frustrate the Merseysiders further.
Having said that, we can expect an aggressive, electrifying game of football between two exciting sides fighting for the same objective amid pressure from the likes of Chelsea, Everton, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur.
Talking Tactics
Leicester City
Leicester had a midweek FA Cup contest against Brighton, and although they won the tie in the closing seconds, fatigue and fitness concerns might trouble the Foxes at the King Power. But they have options capable of stepping up all over the pitch, while the return of Jamie Vardy would be alarming for the Reds if they play a high-line yet again.
Rodgers would prefer wing-play, cut insides and crosses to expose the frailty of Liverpool defence but, at the same time, must stop the visitors from utilising the width of the pitch.
Liverpool
The champions are lacking enough creativity from the middle of the park with both Fabinho and Jordan Henderson featuring as makeshift centre-backs. It is high time for Jurgen Klopp to field Ozan Kabak (and be a little brave in bringing in Nat Phillips or new signing Ben Davies to replace the injured Fabinho) and restore the skipper in his preferred midfield slot.
The long balls from behind would inject more variation during attacking transitions and therefore, should help the gaffer overcome the predictability that has let down Liverpool in recent weeks. Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold, struggling to regain the rhythm of late, must make their presence known with overlapping runs and link-up play.
Team News
Dennis Praet, Timothy Castagne and Wesley Fofana are sidelined with thigh strains whereas club captain Wes Morgan is still nursing a lower back injury. James Justin is out for a long time having picked up an ACL injury while Ayoze Perez [calf] picked up a knock against the Seagulls and is now a major doubt for the weekend clash.
Leicester City Predicted XI
Kasper Schmeichel; Daniel Amarty, Çağlar Söyüncü, Jonny Evans; Ricardo Pereira, Wilfred Ndidi, Youri Tielemans, Luke Thomas; James Maddison, Harvey Barnes; Jamie Vardy.
Liverpool
Joel Matip is ruled out for the season with an ankle injury. Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez won’t be returning either anytime soon while the muscle issue of Fabinho is now another blow in their pursuit of ‘top four’. But the recovery of Diogo Jota and Naby Keita would be a massive boost even if they fail to make it for the Leicester trip.
Liverpool Predicted XI
Alisson Becker; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Nat Phillips, Ozan Kabak, Andrew Robertson; Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum, Thiago; Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino.
Key Men
Leicester City
Jamie Vardy is still one of the most prolific goalscorers of the league and his pace, intelligence and sharpness would keep the Reds on their toes throughout the contest. The creative spark of James Maddison and Harvey Barnes can’t be ignored either in the attacking third.
Liverpool
Alisson Becker had a nightmare against Man City as he single-handed ruined the Reds fightback. But he is still one of the finest custodians of world football and should exhibit his masterclass between the sticks like he has done time and again over the years.
Odds
The bookies have put Leicester at 13/5 to emerge as the winners. The draw is listed as 5/2 while the Reds are at 21/20 to defeat the hosts at their own backyard.
