Siddharth Suresh
[Image] Leicester predicted line-up to face Liverpool on Boxing Day
Second-placed Leicester City welcome leaders Liverpool for a top of the table Christmas cracker at the King Power Stadium on Boxing Day.
Both sides have been in sensational form so far, having had great starts to the season. However, by losing 3-1 to defending champions Manchester City in their last league outing, the Foxes have offered Liverpool a 10-point cushion going into the weekend clash.
Already in a position of advantage, Liverpool also boast of a game in hand over their rivals, having plied their trade in the Club World Cup last weekend.
Having won the Club World Cup title by defeating Brazilian side Flamengo by a narrow 1-0 margin, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are in a position of strength ahead of the blockbuster clash.
Meanwhile, Brendan Rodgers’ Foxes, whose nine-game unbeaten run in the league came to a sudden halt at the hands of Man City, will be looking to close down the gap on their rivals to keep their hopes of a title race intact.
Klopp’s Reds remain unbeaten on top of the league and will be a formidable test for the Foxes when they visit them on Thursday.
Team news
Except for long-term absentee Matty James, who is definitely ruled out, Rodgers has a full squad at his disposal.
Meanwhile, Harvey Barnes remains a doubtful candidate after he was forced off the pitch following a hefty clash with City goalkeeper Ederson in their last game.
Leicester predicted line-up
Formation: 4-1-4-1
Kasper Schmeichel (GK)
Did not have the best of games against City last time around but will don the goalkeeper’s gloves being their first-choice custodian.
Ricardo Pereira (RB)
He conceded a penalty against City by making a howler of a challenge and will now be eager to put up a good show against the Reds.
Jonny Evans (CB)
He has been rock-solid at the back for the Foxes. The Irishman was a calm and composed presence at the back against City.
Caglar Soyuncu (CB)
Played well alongside Evans in the game against City. The Turk has been a revelation in the defence for the Foxes this season.
Ben Chilwell (LB)
His forward runs have been a treat to watch but he had a hard time tracking City’s Riyad Mahrez, making it one of his worst games of the campaign.
Wilfred Ndidi (CDM)
Rodgers’ key figure in the middle and one of the main reasons for Leicester conceding very few goals. The Nigerian acts as a shield in front of Foxes’ defence.
Youri Tielemans (CAM)
The young Belgian has been impressive in the final third for Leicester. He has been growing in stature and is sure to feature in this top fixture.
James Maddison (CAM)
The young Englishman has been the Foxes’ most creative player in the midfield. He is good at opening up spaces and has a vicious right foot.
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Ayoze Perez (RW)
The Spaniard has been preferred for this role by Rodgers ever since he arrived in the summer. A good link-up player, he has scored 4 league goals.
Marc Albrighton (LW)
The veteran is most likely to start with Barnes still under assessment. A seasoned campaigner, he has not made many starts this season.
Jamie Vardy (ST)
The star striker seems to be scoring goals for fun. The veteran is league’s top-scorer, netting 17 goals from the 18 games, and is a definite choice.
