Liverpool is set to face Leicester City on December 26, 2024, at Anfield for their 18th match of the English Premier League season. The Reds are currently the frontrunners for the title, having exhibited remarkable form, whereas Leicester is struggling near the relegation zone.
The match will be officiated by Darren Bond, who has officiated seven matches this season, issuing 32 yellow cards and only one red card. Liverpool is coming off a spectacular victory against Tottenham, winning 6-3 away, and has not lost any of their last 21 matches, showcasing their attacking prowess.
According to the latest statistics, Liverpool leads the Premier League standings with 39 points from 16 matches and is four points clear from the nearest competitor with one game in hand. Despite two recent draws against Newcastle and Fulham, the team appears strong, having netted three or more goals in seven of their last nine league games.
Liverpool's probable lineup is expected to feature goalkeeper Alisson Becker, defenders Andrew Robertson, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, alongside midfielders Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, and Dominik Szoboszlai. Up front, Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, and Luis Díaz will lead the attack.
Leicester, coached by Ruud van Nistelrooy, is facing significant challenges, having recently suffered defeats of 0-4 against Newcastle and 0-3 at home to Wolverhampton. The Foxes currently sit 17th on the table, just two points clear of the relegation zone, and have claimed only one victory from their last nine matches.
For Leicester, injuries to key players such as Wilfred Ndidi and Ricardo Pereira compound their struggles. The probable lineup includes goalkeeper Daniel Ward, defenders James Justin and Yannick Westergaard, with Jamie Vardy leading the line.
Match predictions heavily favor Liverpool, with odds closely aligned with their expected dominance. Experts suggest Liverpool will likely clinch the victory with at least three goals scored, especially as Leicester has been leaking goals this season. Betting on Liverpool to win with a handicap of -2.5 appears to be popular among bookmakers, reinforcing confidence in their ability to secure the three points convincingly.
Historically, Liverpool enjoys significant success at home against Leicester, winning seven out of the last eight encounters at Anfield, and their current form suggests continuity of this trend. The Reds are seen as not only the favorites but also as possible title contenders, emphasizing their need to rebound from earlier stumbles against lower-tier teams.
Considering Leicester’s precarious position and Liverpool’s aspirations, this match looks set to be pivotal for both teams as the festive season intensifies the competition.