Liverpool will look to continue their winning momentum in the Premier League when they play hosts to Leicester City at Anfield on Friday evening.
The Reds defeated Aston Villa 3-1 away on Boxing Day, making it three Premier League wins on the bounce as a result. Jurgen Klopp’s side are in a good mood at the moment and will be keen to close out 2022 with another three points.
Leicester City, on the other hand, lost 3-0 to Newcastle United on Boxing Day, thus, ending their mini two-game winning run in the league. It was a very disappointing performance from the Foxes at home and Brendan Rodgers will want a reaction from his boys against Liverpool.
On that note, let us take a look at the key battles that could define the mouthwatering clash at Anfield.
#Mohamed Salah vs Luke Thomas
Since Liverpool resumed their campaign in the Carabao Cup defeat to Man City last week, Mohamed Salah has made a bright start. He got his name on the scoresheet against Man City in the Carabao Cup before opening the scoring for Liverpool in the 3-1 win over Aston Villa in the Premier League on Boxing Day.
So, the Egyptian star will head to the game against Leicester City in high spirits and confidence. Marking Salah on Friday will be Luke Thomas, who started at left-back for Leicester in the 3-0 defeat to Newcastle last time out.
Thomas has to be wary of Salah’s pace, vision and movement throughout the game. If the Liverpool forward can find space and time on the ball with ease on the right flank and leave Thomas isolated at the back, Jurgen Klopp’s side could merit hugely from it.
#Thiago Alcantara vs Boubakary Soumare
Thiago Alcantara has resumed the campaign in fine fashion, and the onus will be on him once again to create opportunities for the Liverpool forwards.
The Spaniard is a class act, always on the move and incisive with his passing. He will look to take control of the game from the first minute and help his team dominate Leicester in the middle of the park. The responsibility of keeping Thiago under check will be on Boubakary Soumare.
A defensive midfielder by trade, Soumare excels in tackling, intercepting and regaining possession for his team, and the Frenchman should be at the top of his game to stop Thiago from dictating terms. This could be the battle that might just decide which direction the game tilts.
#Jamie Vardy vs Virgil van Dijk
Patson Daka was poor when leading the Leicester attack against Newcastle on Boxing Day, so Rodgers could choose Jamie Vardy up top at Anfield.
Vardy has an excellent scoring record against Liverpool. The wily Englishman is always a threat with his movement and runs in behind the opposition backline, and with the Reds setting up to play a high defensive line, his pace on the break could cause problems.
Virgil van Dijk is the leader of the defensive pack for Liverpool and the onus will be on him to close down the spaces quickly in which Vardy thrives. If the Dutchman can keep Vardy quiet, Liverpool’s chances of winning against Leicester will definitely increase.