Liverpool vs Leicester

KO: 7:15pm

Anfield

Sky Sports

22nd of November 2020

Liverpool can displace Leicester from third when they meet tonight, as the Premier League returns following the final international break of 2020.

It’s been nothing short of a wild month for Liverpool, as they continue to be plagued by injuries and Covid-19, and Leicester’s visit this evening is the first of 11 games before the end of the calendar year.

The Reds will have to navigate without Joe Gomez, who was the lastest to succumb to a serious injury whilst on international duty- no doubt leaving Jurgen Klopp pulling his hair out, as Liverpool continue to see their centre-backs dwindle.

While only eight games into this season, Liverpool have already suffered enough injury blows for an entire Premier League campaign, but their powers of perseverance and determination, saw them avoid defeat in their last seven games, winning five.

It sets up a tantalising clash with the Foxes, who currently sit third in the table ahead of their trip to Anfield this evening.

Recent meetings between these two sides have not been short of entertainment or goals, with a combined 33 scored in their last 10 fixtures.

This will prove another test of Liverpool’s mettle as they battle injuries and illness, but if they emerge unscathed this evening, they will write their name in club history once more, as avoiding defeat against the Foxes will see a new record of 64 league games unbeaten at Anfield.

Team News and My XI Team Prediction

I expect Liverpool to set up in a 4-3-3 formation against Leicester this evening; as Klopp will have to make drastic changes to his side.

Goalkeeper: Allison

For all of Liverpool’s injury woes, having Alisson in goal brings stability for the manager.

He will bring much needed assurance to Liverpool’s makeshift defence.

Defenders: Milner, Matip, Fabinho, Robertson

Just when Liverpool fans thought it couldn’t get any worse, Joe Gomez was the latest addition to the long-term injury list, when tearing his patella tendon whilst on international duty with England.

The 23-year old underwent successful surgery and is set to miss a significant portion of the season, leaving Liverpool with just one fit centre-back Joel Matip.

So ex Reds manager Brendan Rodgers will be trying to second guess who Liverpool will play in defence, almost as much as his tenant Jurgen Klopp is; for those who may not know Rodgers is Klopp’s landlord!

Fabinho did return to full team training on Friday, but there remain question marks over his match sharpness! But for me, he starts today!

Liverpool will have the small matter of trying to stop Jamie Vardy, who has been in excellent form this season; scoring 8 goals so far.

For me, Klopp will likely opt for the experience of James Milner to fill in at right-back for Trent Alexander- Arnold; who is ruled out with a calf injury.

Midfielders: Wijnaldum, Keita, Jones

Jordan Henderson’s injury on England duty has left Klopp with yet another headache; short of options in midfield.

Jurgen Klopp confirmed Henderson’s absence during his pre-match press conference on Friday, ahead of the game.

Thiago Alcantara isn’t expected to return in time to face Leicester, but Naby Keita is now fit after featuring for Guinea.

Curtis Jones has performed well in recent weeks since breaking into the first team on a regular basis.

And Georginio Wijnaldum will provide some stability to Liverpool’s midfield this evening.

Forward: Jota, Firmino, Mane,

Mohamed Salah’s positive coronavirus test in years gone by would have previously spelled disaster for Liverpool.

The Reds are still likely to miss their talisman but Diogo Jota’s impressive start to life at Anfield should mean a simple switch for Klopp to make.

Roberto Firmino is facing mounting pressure to score having struggled in front of goal this season

But Sadio Mane remains Liverpool’s biggest threat going forward and he may relish the chance to face Leicester.

Only three points will do for Liverpool this evening, so there is only one final thing to say..

COME ON THE REDS!

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