Liverpool is set to host Leicester City at Anfield this Boxing Day, aiming to cement their position at the top of the Premier League standings. The match is slated for December 26, 2024, kicking off at 8:00 PM GMT, and the Reds are hopeful to extend their four-point lead over second-placed Chelsea.
Under the management of Arne Slot, Liverpool has surged to the summit of the league with impressive form, recently showcasing their strength with a commanding 6-3 victory against Tottenham Hotspur. This display not only marked their resilience after a brief spell of draws but also solidified their title credentials, demonstrating their attacking prowess with contributions from star players like Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai.
Salah’s exceptional performance against Spurs—where he scored twice and assisted two other goals—illustrates his pivotal role as Liverpool gears up to face Leicester. With only one loss recorded during the season, the Reds are eyeing the coveted Premier League title, and as Slot noted, "Liverpool are going through sublime form. We expect nothing different from the Reds as they aim to solidify their position at the summit of the EPL Table."">
Contrasting Liverpool's success, Leicester City arrives at Anfield on the heels of two unsettling defeats, having conceded seven unanswered goals against Newcastle and Wolverhampton. The Foxes currently sit just above the relegation zone, desperately needing to secure points to steer clear of relegation worries. Under the management of Ruud van Nistelrooy, Leicester's season has been rocky, highlighted by lapses on the defensive end.
Despite their struggles, there's hope for Leicester as they recall moments of resilience, including their earlier victory over West Ham United. Jordan Ayew is key for the Foxes; his experience and skill were evident at Crystal Palace, and he’ll need to step up for Leicester's survival efforts.
The team's current form has witnessed just one draw over the last five outings, compared to Liverpool's three wins during the same span. The pressure is mounting for Leicester to find their footing, with injuries complicate matters. Wilfred Ndidi and others remain sidelined, and as the Foxes prepare for this clash, injuries could leave them missing as many as five players.
The match will bring all eyes to Anfield, where Liverpool boasts impressive home form. The home side has achieved a 45% win rate over Leicester, adding to their confidence. Meanwhile, with the betting odds significantly favoring Liverpool—1/12 to win—any semblance of upset will require extraordinary effort from the visitors.
Kickoff for this anticipated encounter will be accessible through various platforms; fans can catch the action live on Amazon Prime Video and other channels. For those traveling or outside their usual coverage zones, using secure VPN services might be advantageous.
Looking at the teams likely setups, Liverpool is expected to field their strongest lineup. Goalkeeper Alisson will be supported by defense featuring Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, van Dijk, and Robertson. Szoboszlai, along with Gravenberch, will anchor the midfield, with Salah and Gakpo supporting Diaz up front.
Leicester, conversely, might utilize Ward as goalkeeper, with their defensive lineup potentially including Justin, Coady, and Vestergaard. Skipp and Soumare are expected to take on midfield responsibilities, with veteran striker Jamie Vardy ready to lead the front line, even after concerns about injury.
With the match looming, anticipation mounts for what could be another thrilling chapter between these two teams. Liverpool's pursuit of the title contrasts sharply with Leicester's struggle to avoid relegation. This Boxing Day encounter promises not just points but also the potential to shift the narrative of the 2024 Premier League season.
Does Leicester have what it takes to pull off a shock result against the title contenders? Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the Foxes can surprise, or if Liverpool will continue their march toward the Premier League championship.
