Liverpool vs. Leicester: 10 key things to know for Boxing Day clash
Liverpool, the overwhelming favourites, will host a struggling Leicester team in the Premier League
on Boxing Day.
1. Top at Christmas
There has been no ‘new-manager bounce’ for Leicester who have been drawn into a serious relegation struggle after the weekend’s results.
Liverpool is ready to take advantage of the Foxes’ lack of confidence after a convincing 6-3 victory at Tottenham, but they must keep the back door closed as they put pressure on Leicester.
With a crowd behind them who will have already had a full day of fun, Liverpool should ultimately be
too strong. This should be a fun night at Anfield.
For Liverpool fans, the Premier League standings is undoubtedly a lovely sight this Christmas.
With a game remaining, Everton’s draw with Chelsea increased their lead over the Londoners to four points, while Arsenal is now two points behind.
In both 2018 and 2020, Liverpool led the league at Christmas by four points, but they failed to win the title.
2. Boxing Day record
Liverpool has participated in 92 games on December 26 in their history, winning 45, drawing 24, and losing 23.
3. Team news
With Ibrahima Konate (knee) and Conor Bradley (hamstring) the two players undoubtedly out for Thursday’s game, Liverpool has a comparatively healthy roster.
The two are expected to return in January. Wilfred Ndidi of Leicester, who has missed their previous two league games due to a thigh issue, is similarly affected.
In addition, Leicester is without right-back Ricardo Pereira, winger Issahaku Fatawu, and first-choice custodian Mads Hermansen. Ruud van Nistelrooy also stated on Tuesday that Jamie Vardy is doubtful.
4. Lineup prediction
predicted starting lineup: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk; Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Diaz, Gakpo.
5. 4 at risk of suspension
While Liverpool don’t have too many injury issues at the moment, they are at risk of losing players through suspension.
With four Premier League yellow cards this season, Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch are all one booking away from missing a game.
Ibrahima Konate is in the same boat but, of course, won’t figure against Leicester owing to injury.
If any of these players receive a yellow card on Thursday, they will not be able to play in the Reds’ next match against West Ham.
6. Who is the referee?
At Anfield, Darren Bond is the referee for the Premier League match between Liverpool and Leicester. His assistants are Scott Ledger and Matthew Wilkes.
The Reds’ 3-2 League Cup victory over Brighton earlier this season was the only other time Bond managed the team.
7. Follow the match with TIA
At 8 p.m. (GMT), Liverpool vs. Leicester kicks off live on Amazon Prime Video.
Harry McMullen will be in charge of keeping you informed and entertained on TIA’s matchday
live blog, which will launch at 7:15 p.m.
Get more related news on: https://sportviewers.com
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