Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool will be boosted by the arrival of new signing Virgil van Dijk but that will have no effect on their immediate clash against Leicester City this weekend. Having managed to stitch a 13 game unbeaten run, Liverpool will now welcome Claude Puel’s men to Anfield, which turned into a mini-fortress this season.
The Reds have not lost a game and conceded just 3 goals in the league this season at home but the Foxes have always been a tough team to crack for the Reds and this game is sure to test the home side’s resilience at the top of the table. Klopp will settle for nothing less than three points and here is the predicted lineup he might field for this tie:
Team News:
The Reds are still without full-back duo Alberto Moreno and Nathaniel Clyne, who are long term absentees. Jordan Henderson also remains unavailable along with Daniel Sturridge, who is out with an illness. Marko Grujic is the only other Liverpool player unavailable for selection this weekend. With the game against Burnley just a day later, Klopp might be pushed into resting key players but can still go with a strong squad into this game.
Expected lineup (4-3-3):
Defense:
Belgian star Simon Mignolet managed to keep a clean sheet against Swansea after his mistake at the Emirates. He should keep his place under the bar against the Foxes. Joel Matip had an easy outing against a struggling Swansea side, back from an injury. He will be tested this weekend, up against the likes of Jamie Vardy and Okazaki in this game. He should be partnered by Ragnar Klavan, who has probably been Liverpool’s best CB this season.
Trent Alexandre-Arnold scored his first league goal earlier this week but he could be replaced by Joe Gomez, at right back. TAA should get his chance to start against Burnley. Andrew Robertson, who was taken off for the last 20 minutes against Swansea, will get yet another start at left back. He will have his work cut out against the likes of Riyad Mahrez and company.
Midfield:
Jordan Henderson’s injury will mean that Liverpool have to stick with Emre Can as the deepest of the midfielders while Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain, who also found the back of the net against Swansea and Adam Lallana, who is yet to start a game for the side this season, are expected to partner the German in a three-man midfield.
Attack:
The Reds fans might not be able to witness the fab four in this game as Philippe Coutinho is expected to be rested for the game at Turf Moor. However, the front three of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, and Sadio Mane, who was an unused substitute in the previous game, should be fit enough to get start this weekend.
Here is how they might line up:
