Leicester City welcome Liverpool to the King Power Stadium in a blockbuster clash in the race for a top three finish in the Premier League.
Victory will send Leicester second for at least 26 hours but defeat would allow Liverpool to leapfrog Brendan Rogers’ Foxes into third, by virtue of the Reds’ slightly superior goal difference over the hosts.
Team News
James Justin is ruled out for Leicester after suffering a knee injury in Wednesday’s FA Cup win over Brighton.
Ayoze Perez (shin) is a doubt and could join Wes Morgan (back), Wesley Fofana, Timothy Castagne (both thigh) and Dennis Praet (hamstring) on sidelines.
Liverpool will be without Fabinho after a recurrence of a muscle injury which has plagued the Brazilian in recent weeks.
Joel Matip (ankle), Naby Keita (muscle), Diogo Jota, Joe Gomez and Virgil Van Dijk (all knee) remain sidelined.
Stat Attack
- Leicester have claimed just one point in their last seven Premier League matches against Liverpool, whilst conceding seven goals in their last two meetings alone (D1, L6).
- Liverpool have won each of their last three visits to the King Power Stadium (W3).
- Roberto Firmino has scored three goals in his last two Liverpool appearances against Leicester.
- No Leicester player has played more through balls in the league this season than James Maddison, who has produced six through balls in 21 appearances.
- Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah is yet to score a league goal on his right foot this season, with 15 of his 16 league goals coming on his left foot whilst one of his goals was a header.
Prediction
Leicester have certainly endured two difficult matches within the last six days but given Liverpool’s quality and recent slump, those matches probably will stand them in good stead but to lose James Justin will be a concern if Liverpool’s wingers get physical in their attacking intent.
Liverpool however have their own defensive concerns after a second half meltdown against Manchester City, so will certainly be looking for a fightback here but Brendan Rogers did rotate his Foxes in midweek so Leicester will be fairly fresh and ready for this encounter.
I therefore feel that this could be an interesting encounter because Liverpool have good away form in this fixture, whereas Leicester know that victory will put them in a strong position to push for a top four finish so am going for a score draw if Liverpool aren’t at their best.
Prediction: Leicester 1-1 Liverpool
Result: Leicester 3-1 Liverpool
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