Just days after being crowned the Champions of the World, Liverpool are back on domestic duties on Boxing Day, in probably their most important game of the season so far. The Reds managed to keep their 10 point lead at the top of the table even on CWC duties, as Leicester City dropped points at Etihad at the weekend.
Though it means Manchester City are now closer, The Reds now have a chance to effectively end Leicester’s unlikely title-tilt.
Jurgen Klopp’s men needed a late penalty to seal all three points in the reverse fixture at Anfield and this game will only be tougher.
PREDICTED LIVERPOOL LINEUP VS LEICESTER CITY (4-3-3)
Team News
The Reds are still without the likes of Dejan Lovren, Joel Matip, Fabinho and Nathaniel Clyne all of who are long term absentees.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has also picked up an ankle injury and is ruled out for at least a couple of weeks but Klopp will be happy to welcome Georginio Wijnaldum, who was an unused substitute in the Club World Cup final.
LIVERPOOL LINEUP
Defence
Alisson Becker has been impeccable at the back since coming back from an injury, making a number of crucial saves in this incredible run for Liverpool. He might have to pull out a similar performance against an in-form Leicester City attack.
But he will have the help of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, the pair that has kept three clean sheets in their last three games. Jamie Vardy will be the biggest threat and will certainly trouble them all game. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson will remain crucial for Liverpool in the full-back roles.
Midfield
Jordan Henderson has had a year to remember as the skipper of this Liverpool side. He will have to start another game this week, with Fabinho out injured. Georginio Wijnaldum could add some mettle in the midfield while Naby Keita will provide the creative spark from the midfield in the Liverpool lineup.
The likes of Youri Tielemans and Wilfred Ndidi may have a busy night against this midfield.
Attack
Klopp has rotated his front three in the last few league games but this is a must-win match in the title race and the German is not expected to tinker with his best XI.
Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane should all start in the front three but will have their work cut out against the Leicester City backline that remains the joint best defensively in the league this season.
