Liverpool vs Leicester Preview
- Liverpool to win
- Over 2.5 goals
Liverpool welcome Leicester City to Anfield on Boxing Day as they aim to cap off a stellar year at home with another emphatic victory.
The Reds are soaring at the top of the Premier League, while Leicester are battling to avoid the relegation zone, setting the stage for a classic encounter with contrasting stakes.
Liverpool: Flying High at Christmas
Liverpool’s spectacular 6-3 win over Tottenham at the weekend underlined their dominance, ensuring they sit atop the Premier League table at Christmas for a record-breaking 21st time in top-flight history.
Of the previous 20 occasions, they’ve converted that lead into a title triumph 11 times, a statistic that will give fans plenty of festive cheer.
Under Arne Slot, Liverpool have been a juggernaut at Anfield, where they’ve lost just three of their last 69 home league games (W52, D14).
Adding to their aura of invincibility is their formidable Boxing Day record, having won their last seven matches on this date by an aggregate score of 20-1.
Key Player: Dominik Szoboszlai
Szoboszlai scored in Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Leicester earlier this season and netted against Spurs last weekend. His presence in the midfield often correlates with Liverpool scoring multiple goals in games where he’s on the scoresheet.
Leicester City: Struggling Under Van Nistelrooy
The Foxes are in turmoil after back-to-back heavy defeats to Newcastle (4-0) and Wolves (3-0) in the Premier League.
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s honeymoon period seems to be over, with Leicester now sitting just two points above the relegation zone in 17th place.
Historically, Leicester have struggled on Boxing Day, winning just once in their last ten games on the festive date (D2, L7).
Their record against Liverpool is equally dismal, with 17 losses in their last 25 H2Hs (W5, D3). The odds of an upset appear slim, especially given their poor away form and defensive vulnerabilities.
Key Player: Conor Coady
The Liverpool-born defender will look to marshal Leicester’s defence against his boyhood club. Not just a stopper, Coady has shown an ability to score on the road, with 14 of his last 16 goals coming away from home.
Tactical Battle
- Liverpool’s Approach:
Arne Slot’s side will aim to dominate possession and press high, using their relentless intensity to overwhelm Leicester. With Szoboszlai and Mohamed Salah pulling the strings, Liverpool will look to exploit Leicester’s leaky defence through quick transitions and wide play. - Leicester’s Approach:
Van Nistelrooy is likely to adopt a pragmatic strategy, sitting deep and relying on counter-attacks to catch Liverpool out. The Foxes must improve defensively to avoid another thrashing and will need players like Conor Coady to lead by example at the back.
What’s at Stake?
- Liverpool: A win would cement their position at the top of the table and extend their Boxing Day dominance.
- Leicester: Avoiding defeat would be a morale-boosting result as they fight to steer clear of the relegation zone.
Head-to-Head Insights
- Liverpool have won their last seven Boxing Day matches by an aggregate score of 20-1.
- Leicester have lost 17 of their last 25 meetings with Liverpool (W5, D3).
- Dominik Szoboszlai scored in Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Leicester earlier this season.
- Leicester have won just one of their last ten Boxing Day matches (D2, L7).
Prediction
Liverpool’s form, Boxing Day dominance, and Anfield fortress make them overwhelming favourites for this clash.
Leicester’s recent defensive woes and poor record against the Reds only add to their uphill battle. Expect a comprehensive Liverpool performance to close out their 2024 Anfield campaign on a high.
Prediction: Liverpool 4-1 Leicester City
This Boxing Day fixture promises plenty of goals and excitement as Liverpool look to continue their march at the top, while Leicester fight to pull themselves out of trouble.
Will the Reds deliver another festive masterclass, or can the Foxes spring a surprise? Football fans are in for a holiday treat at Anfield.
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Liverpool v Leicester, 2024/25 | Premier League