There’s no time for Liverpool or the fans to dwell over the lack of action on deadline day yesterday, as yet another game rolls around. Leicester await Jurgen Klopp’s side as they aim for another three points to aid their title winning aspirations, which is mad to say!
I know this is a Liverpool preview, but Leicester have been the most surprising packages to come along in years. They’re sitting top of the league, with players like Riyad Mahrez, Ngolo Kante and Jamie Vardy in blistering form as of late, and have really took the league by storm. Many have said that they will slip away eventually, but when? We’re in February now and they’re still top of the league. If it’s not going to be Liverpool to win the league (which it quite obviously won’t be) then Leicester would be a superb shout to win it. But not at the expense of a win against Liverpool tonight.
It will be a big change from the side that drew against West Ham in the FA Cup on Saturday, with a few more regular faces set to return. Mamadou Sakho, Alberto Moreno, Emre Can, Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana and Roberto Firmino all look in contention to get their places back, as much as some of the youngsters from the other day deserve a shot at a league game. Cameron Brannagan, Brad Smith and Joao Teixeira all deserve a shot I think, especially after consistently good displays in the cup. Christian Benteke will more than likely be relegated to the bench again, as it’s clear what the manager thinks of him as a long term prospect. The £32.5m signing hasn’t had the desired effect, and it’s clear he doesn’t fit into both Klopp’s plans, or the style of football he looks to have Liverpool playing.
Our last trip to the King Power Stadium was a good win, 3-1. Bear in mind though that Leicester are a massively different outfit to last time, not only on the pitch, but if it. Claudio Ranieri has worked wonders with what he has, and much credit has to go to him for the side he’s built. With Leicester arguably having more to play for this season, from a league perspective, I’d expect them to try and control the game which could work well for Liverpool. We seem to struggle against teams who sit back and let us press, as they pick us off on the counter. With Leicester’s league position, I can’t see them willing to sit back whatsoever for this game. They can’t rest on their laurels and have to go for it to maintain their lead at the top of the table. With players like Firmino, Lallana and Henderson, Liverpool’s counter attack can be quick and devastating as seen at Norwich. Set pieces will obviously be a concern again, especially with the height Leicester possess, but hopefully the re-introduction of Dejan Lovren, who is arguably Liverpool’s most improved player this season, can aid that. We seem to be a bit more solid and composed when he’s at the back, so I hope that continues tonight.
The good news coming out of yesterday, is that Phillipe Coutinho, Divock Origi and Daniel Sturridge will be back training this week. However disappointed you are that Liverpool missed out on transfer targets in January, having these three back after so long will almost feel like new signings. Added to that the news of Danny Ings training outside today for the first time, slowly but surely, things could start to click into place for Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool. It’s about time eh?
Don’t get me wrong, it’s going to be a very very tough game tonight, especially given what Leicester still have to play for. But with a squad that’s had a week to rest, and will have another week after this with the youth getting a run out again next week in the FA Cup replay, you’d expect us to attempt to fire on all cylinderstonight. Leicester faltered slightly after the Anfield defeat in December, but more  importantly, hopefully a win tonight can give Liverpool the kick they need to really ignite the spark to get this season back on track. Come on Redmen!