Leicester vs Liverpool Match Preview
Vinolin Naidoo takes a look ahead to tomorrow’s late kickoff between Leicester City and Liverpool at the King Power Stadium.
Match Preview
Liverpool come into this encounter after a disappointing loss against the same opponents this past Tuesday in the Carabao Cup. That result, has put the Reds in a must win scenario for this game. In terms of the league anymore dropped points and the Reds will be playing catch-up for the majority of the season.
The pressure on the players and manager is for all to see. September has been a real disaster for the club with two losses and two draws so far. The Foxes sit in 15th place with four points after five games. With only one win, one draw and three defeats so far this season. It has been an okay start to the season for the club considering their fixtures.
Last Meeting: Leicester City 3-1 Liverpool (27th February 2017)
This past Tuesday’s encounter between both teams ended in a 2-0 loss for Liverpool. The Reds were knocked out in the early stages of the Carabao Cup and for many youngsters, that result will be their last first team action for a while.
Liverpool’s last Premier League visit to the Kings Power Stadium ended in disappointment as the Reds lost 3-1. The Foxes came into the match with new manager Craig Shakespeare in charge. First half goals from Jamie Vardy and Danny Drinkwater put the Foxes 2-0 up at the break. Vardy added a third on the hour mark and the game was virtually over. Philippe Coutinho managed to grab a consolation goal for the Reds but it proved to be too little, too late.
That result was scrutinized by the media with Jamie Carragher calling both teams pathetic and shameful. The Foxes players, for throwing then manager Claudio Ranieri under the bus, and the Reds for not pitching up for the game.
Liverpool lately have had a torrid time at the Kings Power Stadium. The last time Liverpool won at the stadium was all the way back in 2014.
Team and Injury News
Manager Craig Shakespeare will make a few changes to the side that defeated the Reds midweek. Kasper Schmeichel, Riyad Mahrez and Harry Maguire will all come back into the starting XI. The Foxes will also be hoping that talisman Jamie Vardy (tight groin) is fit and ready for this encounter.
After the midweek defeat to the Foxes, Jurgen Klopp will bring his first team players back for this encounter. Roberto Firmino, Daniel Sturridge and Mo Salah should start against the Foxes. Liverpool however, will be without Adam Lallana and Nathaniel Clyne due to injuries. Dejan Lovren, Emre Can and Joel Matip all have knocks as well and are in a race to be fit in time for the game. Sadio Mane will serve the last game of his three match suspension after his red card against the Citizens.
Predicted Lineup
LEI (4-4-1-1): Schmeichel, Simpson, Morgan, Maguire, Chilwell, Albrighton, Ndidi, King, Mahrez, Iheanacho, Vardy
LFC (4-3-3): Mignolet, Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Klavan, Moreno, Henderson, Wijnaldum, Coutinho, Firmino, Salah, Sturridge
Prediction
Leicester 2 – 2 Liverpool – Liverpool’s backline will change yet again for this encounter. Based on that factor and with the return of Salah, Firmino, Sturridge, Vardy and Mahrez there should be plenty of goals in this match. Both teams can score and with our fragile defence, we will be lucky to leave the King Power Stadium with a draw.
Follow Vinolin on Twitter: @vinolin_naidoo