The details
Venue – Anfield, Liverpool
Referee – Chris Kavanagh
Date & Time – Saturday, October 5th @ 15:00
Current Odds – Liverpool 9/20, Draw 7/2, Leicester City 11/2
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Form
Liverpool Form
Seven wins from seven to start off the Premier League season. This Liverpool team really is going to take us on a journey again. If it’s anything like last season then I’m not giving up my ticket for love nor money.
This game is huge as Liverpool couldn’t beat Leicester at Anfield last season. Now, they seem to be a stronger outfit under Brendan Rodgers and will fancy nicking at least a point on Merseyside this Saturday.
Leicester City Form
Leicester City have been in fine form since Brendan Rodgers’ arrival back in February. They have amassed the third-highest points total in the league since then, behind only Liverpool and Manchester City.
The Foxes’ only defeat this season was at Old Trafford in a game Rodgers’ side could have and probably should have actually won.
They are currently third in the table, seven points behind Liverpool and just two behind Manchester City.
Team news
Liverpool Team News
Nathaniel Clyne is out until some stage early next year for The Reds.
Alisson Becker is back in full training but will most likely not be risked until the squad returns from the upcoming international break.
Joel Matip should be back in the starting lineup after being rested for the Red Bull Salzburg game on Wednesday night.
Xherdan Shaqiri will face a late fitness test to see if he is available for selection on Saturday.
Jurgen Klopp will stick with Adrian in goals for now.
The starting lineup should be much the same as what we’ve grown accustomed to in the league so far this season.
Leicester City Team News
Matty James is Leicester’s only long-term injury concern. His Achilles injury keeps him out for the time being.
James Maddison will face a late fitness test but will more than likely be available for Brendan Rodgers’ selection.
Rodgers is likely to go with a 4-1-4-1 shape at Anfield as Leicester will look to win the game in midfield. Ricardo Pereira and Ben Chilwell will be tasked with keeping Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah quiet, respectively.
Caglar Soyuncu – in the main – has been impressive since his arrival and he will partner Jonny Evans at the heart of The Foxes’ defence.
Jamie Vardy will spearhead the attack with such talents as James Maddison, Wilfred Ndidi and Youri Tielemans in midfield.
Predicted lineups
Liverpool XI (4-3-3) – Adrian; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Mané
Leicester City XI (4-1-4-1) – Schmeichel; Ricardo, Evans, Soyuncu, Chilwell; Ndidi; Perez, Tielemans, Choudhury, Maddison; Vardy
When they last met
The sides drew 1-1 at Anfield last January. Sadio Mané’s early goal was cancelled out by Harry Maguire’s equaliser just before half-time.
Liverpool won 2-1 in the league fixture at the King Power Stadium earlier in the season.
Prediction
Liverpool 2 – 1 Leicester City
Last season’s draw at home to Leicester proved to be one of the few games Liverpool really underperformed in. Truth be told, the visitors could have taken all three points that day. Jurgen Klopp’s side needs to be tuned in right from the start on Saturday.
Virgil van Dijk and co will have a tough afternoon trying to keep Jamie Vardy at bay.
I think Liverpool will get the three points, just about.
