Premier League action on Boxing Day this year will come to an end with Liverpool’s trip to King Power in one of the most exciting games of this festive period. Brendan Rodgers’ side dropped all three points at Etihad last weekend failing to cover the gap on their title rivals at the top.
Liverpool were busy lifting the Club World Cup but saw their 10 point lead stay intact and go into this game with a chance to extend it to 13.
Rodgers’ men lost to a late penalty at Anfield in the reverse fixture earlier this season and cannot afford to drop all three this week if they are to remain in the title race.
However, they have lost four of their last five games against Jurgen Klopp’s side and will have to be at their best to take anything from this game.
Here is the predicted Leicester lineup Rodgers might field for this tie.
Team News
Matty James remains the only long term absentee for Rodgers ahead of this game. Harvey Barnes is suffering from a niggle but is expected to at least make the bench.
Lack of injuries has meant Rodgers can once again field a largely unchanged line-up against the league leaders.
PREDICTED LEICESTER LINEUP vs LIVERPOOL (4-1-4-1)
Defence
Kasper Schmeichel has been one of the most consistent players in the league in his position but could have a tough game against an in-form Liverpool attack.
However, he will have Jonny Evans and Caglar Soyuncu in the centre-back roles, both of who showed great resilience against this attack at Anfield.
In the league, Ben Chilwell and Ricardo Pereira as a pair are only bettered by Liverpool’s full-backs. The duo will, however, have to curtail their attacking instincts to keep the Liverpool wingers in check.
Midfield
Wilfred Ndidi had a tough night against Manchester City and could have a similar experience against The Reds for the second time this week, in this game. He will be up against the likes of Naby Keita, who could be dangerous if afforded space in the middle of the park.
James Maddison was back for the game at Etihad and had a few decent moments. He also needs to step up his game if Leicester are to close the gap at the top of the table.
Youri Tielemans has been ever-present in the midfield this season. He adds stability to the side which allows Maddison the freedom to attack.
Harvey Barnes’ absence might see Rodgers stick Demarai Gray on the left flank in the Leicester lineup. The winger came off the bench in the last couple of games and has the potential to trouble Liverpool’s attack-minded right-back.
Ayoze Perez also needs to find his form in front of goal for Leicester to stand a chance in this game.
Attack
Jamie Vardy, the league’s top goalscorer, opened the scoring for The Foxes at Etihad as well.
He will be the biggest threat for Liverpool, who have a colossus at the back in the form of Virgil van Dijk. This could be the duel to watch out for in this game.
Leicester Lineup
