Liverpool will be looking to build on a positive festive period and keep themselves in contention for a place in the top four, with many of their rivals facing difficult games, whilst Leicester will be in a confident mood after a big win against Hull City.
To be played on Thursday 1st January 2015 at 15:00. Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
Odds: Liverpool 5/11, Draw 4/1, Leicester 8/1
Liverpool will be looking for back to back home wins for the first time this season when they take on Leicester City. After impressing against Swansea City, there is a feeling they may have turned the corner, and a win against the Foxes will make it their longest winning streak of the season.
There is a slight chance of Dejan Lovren being available after a groin injury, but the interesting selection dilemma for Brendan Rodgers will be in the wing-back positions, and whether captain Steven Gerrard will return to the side. Kolo Toure could return to the side with Martin Skrtel banned for one game.
Paul Konchesky ruled himself out of an Anfield return after getting sent off in the win over Hull City for Leicester, who now have themselves in touch with those just outside the relegation zone – and has relieved the pressure on manager Nigel Pearson significantly. The Foxes would hope to welcome back experienced defender Matthew Upson from injury.
The Reds came out on top when the two sides met last month at the King Power Stadium, as they came from behind to win 3-1. A win for the home side can move them to within three points of the Champions League places, and could expect to move to up to seventh place.
Leicester will be hoping for one of the surprise wins they used to get over Liverpool like in the 1980s, which would boost their survival chances – and possibly lift themselves out of the relegation zone.
“Leicester will be a tough game for us. They had a great result at Hull, which will give them big confidence going away from home. They’re very resilient and we know it’ll be a tough game.”
Brendan Rodgers
“We’ll try to go into the Liverpool game with a positive mentality without being reckless, which you can’t be in the premier league.”
Nigel Pearson
Liverpool injury news
Dejan Lovren ★★ questionable groin
Glen Johnson ★★★ out groin
Jon Flanagan ★★★ out knee
Suso ★★★ out groin
Bradley Jones ★★★ out thigh
Daniel Sturridge ★★★ out thigh
Joe Allen ★★★ out knee
Leicester injury news
Matthew Upson ★★ questionable ankle
Kasper Schmeichel ★★★ out fractured metatarsal
Andy King ★★★ out knock
Leonardo Ulloa ★★ questionable fatigue
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