With City stumbling against Newcastle, the stage is set for Liverpool to capitalize on the opportunity to put 7 points worth of space between them and their title rivals.
For most people this match is Liverpool’s to lose, but I’m not as confident. This season Leicester have struggled against lower sides while slaying the EPL giants. In their wake, Everton, City and Chelsea were all left scratching their heads with nothing out of their matches against the Foxes. As I said in my preview, anyone team who taken down City and Chelsea in the last month is fully capable of throwing wrench into Liverpool’s season.
City came up short against Newcastle, giving Liverpool the perfect opprotunity to create a much needed gap against their challengers. City's away lost was an enormous gift to Liverpool, and now the stage is set for Reds to create a 7 point cushion between them and second place, almost for sure setting them up to bring home the title this year.
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Starting Lineups
My Prediction
Injuries, illnesses, and red cards have hamstrung Liverpool this week, most notably in the right back position. With Trent still injured, Fabinho missing training due to illness, and Milner serving a one match ban, Klopp will have some serious considering to do before submitting his starting eleven. Also Virgl van Dijk is questionable due to illness as well. Thus, I don’t think it will be business as usual for the Reds.
It wouldn't surprise me to see more adjustments and rotation that what people are expecting, given the missing players and the opponent. If we see a hodge-podge backline for Liverpool, expect the Foxes to get on the board via Vardy or Maddison. I think both teams to score here. Prediction: Liverpool 3-1
Match Previews
Just like Newcastle are currently the heroes of Liverpool fans for the moment, Leicester will also look forward to enjoying the same praise from City fans. Being a stumbling block for a big team has a way motivating the underdog. For Liverpool, they know deep down that a 7 point gap at now will bring them closer to their title dreams. It's an all out war for Liverpool and trust me, they won't be walking alone against any enemy. Prediction: Liverpool 3-1
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Going by the form book this should be an easy win for Liverpool against a Leicester side that has lost 4 of 5 last matches. However, despite a fairly disappointing period, Leicester did manage wins against City and Chelsea last month and given the current champions defeat at Newcastle last night, the blue half (and potentially some of the red too) will hope that Leicester can prevent Liverpool from taking a 7 point lead at the top. The home side looks likely to be without VVD and his absence might provide Leicester with a few more opportunities against a Liverpool side that shipped 3 goals last time out. However, I fancy Liverpool to not be as wasteful as City were yesterday. Prediction 3-1 Liverpool
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Playing against Liverpool at Anfield is a very difficult for any visiting team. With City losing against Newcastle, Liverpool will play confidently against Foxes and will try to regain their 7 points lead at the top. Leicester have found the nets on each of their last 8 meetings against Liverpool and Vardy has been their regular scorer on this fixture. With the absences, Liverpool will surely have a tough time reshaping their defensive line. Prediction: Liverpool 3 - 2
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Liverpool shouldn't have many problems against Leicester, especially after City's lost to Newcastle, giving the Reds a chance to finish the title race before the final round. Klopp's men will be more motivated than ever, attacking Leicester from minute one. For Leicester, they're in poor form lately, especially defending, so I think they won't find it easy to stop Salah, Mane and Firmino. I expect too see goals in this game with Liverpool scoring more. Prediction: Liverpool 4:1
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Live Updates
GOAL 3' - Sadio Mane
LIV 1 - 0 LFC
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GOAL 45' + 1' - Harry Maguire
LIV 1 - 1 LFC
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Fulltime: LIV 1 - 1 LFC
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