Liverpool v Leicester City – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Liverpool host Leicester in the Carabao Cup at Anfield on Wednesday night. The hosts are expected to make at least six or seven changes to their XI amid fatigue and COVID-19 fears and isolations. Leicester had their last match postponed due to an outbreak of the virus and could also be missing several players. This is a match where there could be value in waiting until an hour before kick-off to check the starting line-ups. Goals are tipped in this match!

Liverpool Form

Liverpool is in sensational form with one defeat in 34 matches in all three different competitions. Three consecutive four-goal hauls – 4-0 against Arsenal and Southampton and 4-1 versus Everton – were followed by a tight 1-0 win against Wolves.

Liverpool then won 2-1 at AC Milan with a second-string XI before beating Aston Villa 1-0 (just 0.1 xG conceded) and Newcastle 3-1 (just 0.2 xG conceded).

Their last match saw a 2-2 draw away at Tottenham. Liverpool trailed 1-0, then lead 2-1 but looked exposed for large parts of the match and was lucky to draw. Spurs put up 3.4 xG to just 1.3 xG for Liverpool and missed several very clear opportunities.

Liverpool Team News

The Reds are without COVID-19 victims, Virgil Van Dijk, Curtis Jones, Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara. Andy Robertson is suspended, Nat Phillips is injured and Jordan Henderson is ill. Caoimhin Kelleher will play in goal whilst it could be Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate at center back.

Kostas Tsimikas will cover for Robertson but he may be kept back for two upcoming league matches with youngster Owen Beck getting a game here. Roberto Firmino will start in attack and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could also be in the front three.

Liverpool Motivation

Liverpool will see this as a chance to make it to Wembley for a cup final but also have this competition a long way down their priority list.

The starting XI will indicate what Klopp thinks of the Carabao Cup. If Mohamed Salah starts then you know he is taking it seriously.

Leicester Form

It’s been a strange season for Leicester. They’ve lost six league matches from 16 played already and have been in the bottom half for much of the campaign. They lost 3-0 at home to Chelsea before a 4-2 win against Watford. A 2-2 draw at Southampton and a 2-1 loss away to Aston Villa came next.

After losing 3-2 at Napoli to see themselves eliminated from the Europa League, they bounced back to beat Newcastle 4-0 as they scored from 50% of their eight shots. Leicester’s last match against Tottenham was postponed due to a COVID-19 spread in the camp.

Leicester Team News

Aside from their COVID outbreak, Leicester has a whole host of injuries to contend with. Wesley Fofana, James Justin, Jonny Evans, and Caglar Soyuncu have are all injured with the latter two with an outside chance of returning. Daniel Amartey should be back from illness to feature but Jannik Vestergaard could still be isolating.

Ayoze Perez, Ademola Lookman, and Kelechi Iheanacho were three of the other COVID cases but a couple may now be out of isolation to feature. It’s probably going to be a pretty under-strength team although Rodgers may fit the best lineup he has available to him.

Leicester Motivation

Leicester will see the Carabao as a real chance for another piece of silverware after lifting last season’s FA Cup. Be sure to check the starting XI before kickoff to see who is absent and what sort of team Rodgers has picked.

With so many injuries at the back, he’s probably going to have to set his side up to sit deep and look for counters.

Key Stats

Liverpool have lost 1 of their last 34 matches (all comps)

LFC have scored 2+ goals in 13 of their last 15 PL matches

LFC’s Salah has either scored or assisted a goal in 14 of his last 15 PL games

Leicester have lost 3 of their last 7 matches (all comps)

Leicester have lost their last 2 away matches (all comps)

LCFC have conceded 14 goals in their last 7 away matches in all comps

Verdict

This match is hard to call until we see the starting XI’s. Liverpool is expected to still be quite strong but could throw some youngsters in as well. Leicester hasn’t played in nine days and will have a weakened backline. Backing a goal-fest looks like the best bet.

Best Bet: Both Teams to Score at 1.62
Value Punt: Both teams to score in both halves at 8.25
Multiple Leg: Liverpool/draw double chance + over 2.5 goals at 2.00

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis