Verdict: Over three goals
Best Odds: 11/8
Bookmaker: Bet365
With a golden opportunity to extend their advantage at the top of the Premier League table, Liverpool will welcome Leicester to Anfield on Wednesday night.
Liverpool
Starting with the hosts, with everyone in the red half of Merseyside still boosted by Manchester City’s slip up at St. James’ Park on Tuesday, Jurgen Klopp’s men now have the chance to extend their buffer to seven points. Coming off the back of a nervy 4-3 win against Crystal Palace last weekend, many now see the title as the Reds’ to lose. A huge part of Liverpool’s rise to the top of the table has been their form on Anfield. Under the former Borussia Dortmund boss, they are unbeaten in their last 32 top-flight outings and are yet to taste defeat at home this season. Unsurprisingly, one man to watch for Wednesday’s hosts will be leading goalscorer Mohamed Salah. Already bagging 17 goals this season, the Egyptian international has now scored nine goals in his last eight Premier League appearances. The 26-year-old also famously enjoys his matches against the Foxes, Salah has three goals in his last three meetings with Leicester.
Team News
Liverpool duo Virgil van Dijk and Georginio Wijnaldum are back in training following illness and a knee problem respectively.
They could yet still join the suspended James Milner on the sidelines but Fabinho and Dejan Lovren are definitely available after injuries.
Leicester
As for the visitors, enduring a very worrying run of form entering the New Year, Leicester sit on the verge of falling out of the top half of the table and the pressure is really on Claude Puel. Coming off the back of a 4-3 loss away at Wolves last weekend, the Foxes have now lost their last three matches on the bounce. Also slumping to a 2-1 defeat against League Two Newport Couty on that losing run, they have now picked up just one victory since Boxing Day. Another defeat for the visitors on Wednesday would be the first time they have lost three consecutive Premier League matches under the Frenchman. Another growing concern for the former Southampton boss will be his sides recent form away from the King Power Stadium. Winning just two of their last seven matches on the road, the Blues have also now lost their last three matches against Liverpool, conceding two or more in each of those defeats.
Team News
Leicester defender Harry Maguire is available, having recovered from a leg problem.
Long-term absentee Daniel Amartey remains sidelined with an ankle injury.
Key Factors to Consider
- Liverpool have won the past three league meetings and nine of the last 13, drawing two and losing two.
- Leicester have lost six of their last seven Premier League away games at Anfield, drawing one.
- The Foxes have now lost their last three matches on the bounce.
- Mohamed Salah is two short of becoming the eighth player to score 50 Premier League goals for Liverpool.
- The current fastest player to reach that landmark is Fernando Torres in 72 appearances – Salah has scored his 48 goals in 59 matches.
Conclusion
With Manchester City so very publicly giving up ground in the title race, it is hard to see Liverpool failing to capitalize on Wednesday. Given the Reds’ impressive record against Leicester and their recent form in the final third, we’re backing another high scoring encounter at Anfield this week.
Verdict: Over three goals
Best Odds: 11/8
Bookmaker: Bet365
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