Match Preview: Liverpool vs Leicester City

Liverpool 4th (10-8-2) vs Leicester City 8th (7-6-7)

Saturday 10:00 AM ET, Anfield Live on NBCSN

Leicester are currently in their worst run of form under manager Claude Puel. They’ve lost three of their last four matches, with one being on penalty kicks in the cup tie against Manchester City, and the only bright spark was their draw against Manchester United, which they earned in the waning moments of the match. It may be harsh to say, especially since Leicester have had the least rest between matches in the entire league, but as they say, them’s the breaks.

The Competition

In their last four matches, Liverpool have scored 12 goals and only allowed 3. The three they gave up were to Arsenal in what might be the craziest game all season. It’s been no secret Liverpool’s defense is one of their main weaknesses, and Leicester were a Jamie Vardy penalty away from salvaging a point at home last time they played.

Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images

Phillipe Coutinho has notched three goals and two assists in his last three matches. After spending the early parts of the season on the bench, he finally reignited his passion for Liverpool in his last match against Leicester. He managed a goal and an assist that day and is a must for the Foxes to contain on Saturday.

The Foxes

Leicester currently find themselves in a right back pickle. With Danny Simpson out for at least a month, Leicester had to resort to Aleksandar Dragovic against Watford since Daniel Amartey accumulated two yellow cards in about the time it’d take you to pour a cup of coffee. Amartey will be back to face Liverpool and will hopefully be less suspect on his back post defending as Dragovic was for Watford’s winner.

Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images

Perhaps is just because the transfer window is about to open, but Riyad Mahrez has been in fine form as of late. In his last seven matches, only once has he not managed to register a goal or an assist. Last time out against Liverpool he was merely a passenger, so I expect him to have a much greater influence on the game this time.

The Prediction

I think we could very well be in for another 3-2, 3-3 kind of game. It will be interesting to see if Liverpool fancy rotating their squad against Leicester on Saturday or against Burnley on Monday. Regardless, Liverpool’s inconsistency to see out matches they should’ve won could play well into Claude Puel & Company’s hands.