Liverpool vs Leicester, Premier League: What time does it start, where can I watch it and what are the odds?
Liverpool vs Leicester: Follow all the action live!
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Liverpool host Claude Puel’s Leicester at Anfield in a game that promises plenty of goals, with 14 in the last three Premier League meetings between the sides. Leicester have become something of an Achilles heel for Liverpool in recent years, with Leicester’s counter-attacking style exploiting Liverpool’s slow and vulnerable defence.
Liverpool enter the game in good form after beating Swansea 5-0 in the week, though Jurgen Klopp’s side have failed to win two on the bounce since beating Brighton in early December with draws against Everton, West Brom and Arsenal halting their advances in the table.
Leicester’s promising winter form that saw them win four games in a row, with away victories against Newcastle and Southampton, seems to have dissipated after confidence shattering losses to Crystal Palace and Watford. Puel will be eager to see his side leave Anfield with a share of the spoils against a side that leave themselves exposed at the back. The pace of Jamie Vardy, Demarai Gray and Riyad Mahrez will be a key feature in the game.
Claude Puel is still without Robert Huth and Matty James, though the pair are thought to be nearing a return to action. Signed too late to be eligible to play the first half of the season, Sporting Lisbon midfielder Adrien Silva will complete his move to Leicester once the January window opens, a boost for the side heading into a hectic fixture list in the New Year.
Liverpool have been dealt a significant blow with captain Jordan Henderson suffering a hamstring injury against Arsenal, which is set to keep him out until February. Alberto Moreno is also still sidelined with an ankle injury while Nathaniel Clyne and Danny Ward both remain unavailable for selection.
What time does it start?
Liverpool vs Leicester is at 15:00 on Saturday.
Where can I watch it?
The game will not be televised but highlights will be available on Match of the Day at 22:30 on Saturday on BBC1.
It’s a big game for…
Liverpool’s centre-backs. Following the announcement that Virgil van Dijk will finally make the switch from St Mary’s to Anfield in January, all eyes will be on Liverpool’s notoriously shaky defence. The Dutch international will certainly be given a starting berth at the heart of Liverpool’s defence -the question is who will partner the 26-year-old in the New Year. Liverpool’s first-choice centre-back pairing for much of the season - Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip - have both struggled at times. The two players will be desperate to avoid repeating the sort of mistakes that have seen come under criticism this season and will feel the pressure today knowing that one of them will be making way for van Dijk next month.
Best stat…
Jamie Vardy has scored six times in seven appearances against Liverpool, his best record against any top flight side.
Player to watch…
Roberto Firmino. The lively Brazilian has impressed in recent weeks, scoring four goals and providing two assists in his last three games. Firmino has now been involved in more goals than any other Liverpool player since the start of the 2015/16 season, scoring 28 goals and creating 18. Often overlooked due to the form of Philippe Coutinho and Mohamed Salah, Firmino’s work rate and ability to create space for his teammates is finally receiving the recognition it deserves.
Previous three meetings…
Leicester 2 Liverpool 3, Premier League, 23 September 2017
Leicester 2 Liverpool 0, League Cup, 19 September 2017
Leicester 3 Liverpool 1, Premier League, 27 February 2017
Form guide…
Liverpool: DDWDW
Leicester: WLDDL
Odds…
Liverpool: 3/10
Leicester: 15/2
Draw: 9/2
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments