Liverpool will be pumped to exact revenge of their Carabao Cup defeat during the midweek as they face a rematch of the same against Leicester City.
Leicester City have not started the season on a very positive note, with Craig Shakespeare’s side reeling in the bottom half of the table having gathered just 4 points from the first 5 games. However, their recent 2-0 win over Liverpool in the midweek in the Carabao Cup will provide them some momentum going into the Saturday fixture.
If Leicester City have not had the best of starts, no one knows what to make of Liverpool’s results up until now. The Reds have a decent tally of 8 points but their displays have left much to be desired, especially on the defensive end. Jurgen Klopp will be eager to prove the critics wrong though as Liverpool return to King Power after the midweek humiliation.
The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at the fixture.
Team News & Tactics
Leicester City
Jamie Vardy is in contention to feature on Saturday after missing the 2-0 win over Liverpool during the midweek with a groin injury while Craig Shakespeare would be happy to see Christian Fuchs return from his eye injury. Leonardo Ulloa is also expected to be available after his bout of dizziness.
Matty James has succumbed to an Achilles strain, though, which is expected to keep him out for upto six weeks. Craig Shakespeare would be looking for more of the same from his side as Liverpool come visiting. Liverpool’s defensive woes were rightly exploited with counter attacks and the same tactic could be on display on Saturday.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Schmeichel; Simpson, Morgan, Maguire, Chilwell; Mahrez, Iborra, Ndidi, Gray; Okazaki, Vardy
Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp’s defensive problems have been accentuated by injuries to the first-choice centre-back pairing of Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip. While Lovren has missed two games and the entire training this week due to a back injury, Joel Matip is also a doubt owing to a knock he picked up against Burnley.
Emre Can though, has resumed training and is expected to be back for the Leicester clash. We could see Klopp field Joe Gomez in central defence. The German’s problems though, does not end up with the defence as Klopp must as also decide the players to field in the middle of the park.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain looked woeful on Tuesday and is unlikely to start while Sadio Mane’s suspension means Coutinho is almost certain to start, despite starting in the Carabao Cup defeat as well.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Karius; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Klavan, Milner; Can, Henderson, Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Coutinho
Betting Odds
Favourable Bets
1. Both Teams to Score – YES @1.61
2. Liverpool to win @1.90
Underdog Bets
1. Correct Scoreline – Leicester 1-2 Liverpool @9.00
Key Stats
1. Leicester can become the first team to defeat Jurgen Klopp thrice in the Premier League, having already beaten them twice already.
2. Liverpool have struggled in Sadio Mane’s absence, with the Reds averaging 2.13 points with him and only 1.54 without the Senegalese international.
3. Quantity vs Quality – Liverpool have a league-high 40 shots on target so far this season, compared to Leicester City’s 14. Liverpool have 9 goals compared to Leicester’s 7.
4. Jamie Vardy has scored 5 goals in his last 3 Premier League appearances against Liverpool.
5. Leicester City have an upper hand in recent meetings, having beaten Liverpool on their last two visits to King Power Stadium in the Premier League.
Player To Watch
Coutinho
The Brazilian put in a forgetful performance on Tuesday and has really not get going post the Barcelona transfer saga. Now, with Sadio Mane set to return from his suspension soon, Coutinho could really be in danger of losing his place in the first-team setup unless he proves himself.
Klopp’s men need some inspiration to get a win under their belt after a series of disappointing results and Coutinho could just be the man they need.
Prediction
Leicester City 1-2 Liverpool
Liverpool have their first-choice centre-backs sidelined and are in general disarray of sorts, recently. However, Klopp knows how to instil confidence in his team and to inspire the players. The Reds are likely to have a tough time at King Power again and will most likely concede a goal or two.
But, unlike Tuesday, Liverpool should respond and with revenge on their minds, the Reds are expected to edge the Foxes.
