The Reds’ attack tests the Foxes’ fragile defense

Liverpool, Beritasatu.com – Liverpool are ready to continue their dominance in the Premier League when they host Leicester City at Anfield on Boxing Day, Friday (27/12/2024) early morning.

The Reds, who now leads the standings, appeared convincing after destroying Tottenham Hotspur with a score of 6-3 last week. The victory not only confirmed their status as favorites to win but also extended their unbeaten record to 21 matches in all competitions.

Mohamed Salah is again a hero for Liverpool. His four contributions in the match against Tottenham placed him as one of the Premier League’s best players this season. Arne Slot, Liverpool manager, has a big job to do to maintain his team’s consistency, especially as they are only four points ahead of Chelsea and six points ahead of Arsenal, who have each played one game more.

However, Liverpool’s weakness in defense is a matter of note. In the last three Premier League matches, they have conceded eight goals. The combination of defense that is not solid and a tendency to play too aggressively provides opportunities for opponents. However, the attack power The Redswho has scored at least two goals in the last nine matches, remains their main weapon.

Meanwhile, Leicester City came to Anfield with a performance that was far from ideal. Ruud van Nistelrooy’s team suffered two consecutive defeats, including a crushing 0-3 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers at home. Leicester’s position in 17th place is increasingly threatened, only two points away from the relegation zone.

Leicester have big problems at the back. In the last 11 matches, they have not kept a clean sheet once, and in the last three away matches, they have conceded at least three goals. This condition adds pressure to Van Nistelrooy, who so far has not found a solution to improve his team’s performance.

One of the main causes of Leicester’s decline is the absence of a number of key players. Jamie Vardy, who is a mainstay on the front line, is doubtful due to injury. Apart from that, main goalkeeper Mads Hermansen has also not recovered from a groin injury, forcing former Liverpool player Danny Ward to return to the goalkeeper position.

On the Liverpool side, Arne Slot will likely rotate players to maintain the fitness of his squad. Several names such as Jarell Quansah and Kostas Tsimikas are predicted to appear from the early minutes to strengthen the defense line. However, the main focus remains on Mohamed Salah, who is the spearhead of the Reds’ attack.

The meeting record between the two teams is also not in Leicester’s favor. In the last four meetings, Liverpool have always emerged victorious, including a 3-1 victory in the EFL Cup last season. The last time Leicester won at Anfield was in 2000, which indicates how difficult their mission will be this time.

Liverpool are favored to win in this match, but Slot needs to improve weaknesses in the defense to ensure maximum results. Leicester, on the other hand, must play perfectly if they want to steal points from the leaders.

Liverpool vs Leicester City line-up prediction:

Liverpool (4-2-3-1):
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Jones, Jota; Nunez

Leicester City (4-2-3-1):
Ward; Okoli, Coady, Faes; Justin, Winks, Soumare, Kristiansen; Buonanotte, El Khannouss; Daka