Liverpool FC are looking to build on Boxing Day’s 3-1 victory over Aston Villa with a tough game against 13th-place Leicester City at Anfield.
The Reds could be within touching distance of the Champions League spots heading into the new year with a win, with Jurgen Klopp’s side potentially going just 2 points from fourth-placed Spurs, should results go their way.
In their way though stand Leicester City, who come into the final fixture week of 2022 after picking up 9 points out of a possible 15 recently – the same as the Liverpool side who slowly look to be picking up form.
Brendan Rogers returns to Anfield where he spent 3 years in the hot seat between 2012 and 2015, facing successor Jurgen Klopp in the home dugout. A win for the Foxes could see them climb to a tenth place, which would solidify their mid-table position heading into the new year – opposed to current status of just 4 points above the drop zone.
A tough task lies ahead for both teams, however it’s important for Liverpool to pick up three points ahead of a tough January, with league games coming up against Brentford, Brighton and Chelsea, as well as an FA Cup Third Round fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Team News
Liverpool have been struck with somewhat of an injury crisis this season, however, could be handed with the boost of the returns of midfielder, Curtis Jones, and the potential to have Roberto Firmino back in the matchday squad.
New signing, Cody Gakpo, who arrived at Anfield on Monday evening, could be in the squad to face the Foxes, however, this is unlikely with the forward still finalising his transfer.
Big names such as Luis Diaz,, Arthur Melo, Diogo Jota and James Milner are confirmed to still be injured.
Leicester City also have multiple injuries in the squad, with the likes of James Justin and Ricardo Periera expected to return in 2023, however there is currently no time scale on Jonny Evans, Dennis Praet and Ryan Bertrand.
One for Liverpool fans to look out for though is the assessment of James Maddison’s knee injury. He is a doubt for the fixture at Anfield, which could be a major boost for the reds defence.
Likely Line-ups:
Liverpool: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Robertson, Gomez, Van Dijk, Fabinho, Bajcetic, Henderson, Salah, Nunez, Carvalho.
Leicester City: Ward, Castagne, Amartey, Faes, Thomas, Soumare, Albrighton, Tielemans, Dewsbury-Hall, Barnes, Daka.
Key Players for Liverpool: Darwin Nunez
Darwin Nunez picked up the Man of the Match award for Liverpool on Monday night against Aston Villa, and despite not scoring, he caused havoc for the Villa defence.
He setup the goal for another man to watch for the reds on Friday evening, Stefan Bajcetic, who may be handed a start for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
With the injury to Roberto Firmino, Nunez is expected to start for Liverpool, and looks to cause mayhem amongst the likely back four partnership for Leicester of Castagne, Amartey, Faes and Thomas.
Key Players for Leicester City: Youri Tielemans
One for Liverpool to look out for is midfielder, Youri Tielemans. The 25-year-old has played in every Leicester game in the Premier League this season and has scored 3 goals – with some spectacular finishes this season so far.
He has a wand of a right foot, with some great strikes from outside the box being hit which smashes through the back of the net.
Match Details:
Where is the game being played? The game is being played at Anfield, home of Liverpool FC.
What time is kick-off? Kick-off is set for 8pm (GMT) on Friday, 30th December 2022.
Where can I watch? You can watch the game on Sky Sports, via Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.