Liverpool return home on Boxing Day and are heavy favorites as they take on a struggling Leicester side in the Premier League.
Liverpool vs Leicester
Premier League (17) | anfield
December 26, 2024 | 8pm (GMT)
There was no ‘new manager bounce’ for Leicester, who were embroiled in a serious relegation battle after the weekend results.
Liverpool, fresh off a resounding 6-3 win at Tottenham, are ready to capitalize on the Foxes’ low confidence. But they have to close the back door as they put Leicester under pressure.
Ultimately, Liverpool will have to be too strong to leave behind a crowd that will have already had a good time all day. This should be a good night at Anfield.
1. Christmas Top
The Premier League table certainly looks quite a sight for Liverpool supporters this Christmas.
Everton’s draw against Chelsea means the Reds have moved four points clear of their game against the Londoners, with Arsenal two points further behind.
Liverpool also topped the table by four points at Christmas 2018 and 2020, but failed to win the league on both occasions.
Mikel Arteta’s side do not play until 8.15pm on December 27. When they play Ipswich then, it will be a relatively simple opportunity to pick up three points.
The day before, Chelsea play a west London derby at Stamford Bridge. They will face Fulham, who have already lost points to Liverpool and Arsenal this season.
2. Boxing Day record
After three away trips, this will be Liverpool’s first time playing at Anfield on Boxing Day since 2018.
Under Jurgen Klopp, United developed a habit of bringing late gifts on St Stephen’s Day, winning all six matches on December 26 during the German’s time at the club.
The last three away on Boxing Day saw wins away from home at Leicester, Aston Villa and Burnley, providing a festive treat for the traveling supporters.
Throughout Liverpool’s history, they have played on 26 December 92 times, winning 45, drawing 24 and losing 23.
3. Team news
Liverpool have a relatively healthy squad heading into Thursday’s game, with Conor Bradley (ankle) and Ibrahima Konate (knee) the only players clearly missing.
The pair are expected to return in January. The same goes for Leicester’s Wilfred Ndidi, who has missed the last two league games due to a thigh problem.
Leicester are also without starting goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, right-back Ricardo Pereira and winger Isahaku Patau, while Ruud van Nistelrooy revealed on Tuesday that Jamie Vardy is also a doubt.
Former Liverpool goalkeeper Danny Ward was booed by fans during the 3-0 loss to Wolves, while van Nistelrooy could choose to recall the resurgent Jakub Stolaczyk.
4. Lineup prediction
The biggest questions in the slot are up front and midfield as they will have to decide whether to rest two players against Leicester or West Ham.
With the game being played at home, Curtis Jones could be a good option in midfield to unlock a side looking to keep things tight for as long as possible.
Diogo Jota is also hoping to start for the first time since Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Chelsea on October 20.
However, with a gap of four days between the Tottenham game and this one, Slot is likely to stick with the same team that scored six goals.
Predicted XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk; Robertson; Gravenberg, Mac Allister, Szoboszli; Salah, Diaz, Gakpo
5. Leicester are leaking goals
At the end of November, Leicester decided to fire Steve Cooper after just five months in the job. Van Nistelrooy replaced him, but things didn’t get much better.
In their last five games they have conceded 14 goals, including three against relegation-threatened Wolves on Sunday.
This season they have 3 wins, 5 draws and 9 losses in league matches, leaving them with two points left.
Van Nistelrooy said After the most recent defeat: “This season is going to be a long one and every game we play is a new game.”
Liverpool hope it will be a very long boxing night for the visitors.
6. “Why We Play at Christmas”
Of course, we don’t want Liverpool to drop points, but a packed festive schedule provides excitement and arguably gives the league’s best players a better chance to slip up.
That’s what happened to Chelsea at the weekend and Slot explained why it’s part of the appeal of the Premier League.
The Dutchman said on Sunday: “That’s the Premier League. I didn’t expect Chelsea to lose points again today. So that can happen in every game and that’s what makes this league special.
“That’s why so many people want to see this movie, and that’s why we do plays at Christmas.”
7. 4 When there is a risk of stopping
Liverpool don’t have much to worry about with injuries at the moment, but they are at risk of losing players through suspension.
Cody Gakpo, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Darwin Nunez have all received four Premier League yellow cards this season. That means they are only one match away from missing a game.
Ibrahima Konate is in the same boat, but of course he will miss the game against Leicester due to injury.
If any of these players opt for yellow on Thursday, they will miss the Reds’ subsequent trip to West Ham.
8. Who is the judge?
Darren Bond He is the referee for Liverpool v Leicester in the Premier League, while Scott Ledger and Matthew Wilkes are his assistants at Anfield.
It is Bond’s second time managing Manchester United, following a 3-2 win over Brighton in the League Cup earlier this season.
A more familiar face in Chris Kavanagh will act as video assistant referee, while Craig Taylor will act as assistant VAR.
9. Did you know?
Only once before has Liverpool started a game at 8pm on Boxing Day. In 2019, Klopp’s side won the Premier League title with a 4-0 win over Leicester.
Manchester United have scored at least two goals in nine of their last 10 home league matches.
If Virgil van Dijk scores, he will become the 15th player in Liverpool history to score seven days a week.
Liverpool have topped the Christmas season for the 21st time in the club’s history. This is the most by any England team.
10. Follow the match against TIA
Liverpool vs Leicester You’re streaming live Amazon Prime Video Kick-off at 8pm (GMT).
TIA’s matchday live blog runs from 7.15pm. Harry McMullen We’re on a mission to keep you entertained and informed.
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