3 things that could happen in the Leicester City vs Liverpool clash | Premier League 2019-20

Liverpool FC v Leicester City - Premier League
Liverpool FC v Leicester City - Premier League

When the two teams faced off against each other in the Premier League in October, Liverpool defeated Leicester City 2-1 courtesy a stoppage-time penalty scored by captain James Milner.

But back then things were much different than they are now; back then Liverpool and Manchester City were thought to be title contenders, while Leicester were looking to become a top 4 side. As things stand now, Leicester are Liverpool's closest rivals for the Premier League title, making this Boxing day clash a crucial affair.

The match will see Liverpool return back to domestic duties after a triumphant run at the Club World Cup in Qatar. Meanwhile Brendan Rodgers, who suffered a disappointing loss at the hands of the champions last time out, would look to get back to winning ways against his former club.

Boxing Day is known to produce some of the Premier League's most entertaining matches. With the top two teams of the league going head-to-head against each other this Boxing Day, let's take a look at three things that could happen in the match:


#3 Fights among the players

Liverpool FC v Leicester City - Premier League
Liverpool FC v Leicester City - Premier League

Fights among players have been a familiar sight in the Premier League, dating back to its inception.

Most of the conflicts arise as a heat-of-the-moment dispute and are forgotten after the match. But some fights remain for a longer term as the rows continue even after the end of the 90 minutes.

Most recently Raheem Sterling and Joe Gomez's conflict during Liverpool vs Manchester City escalated during the international break, in the England camp. We could see a similar situation in this Leicester-Liverpool clash.

Last October a fight broke out between the two teams, with Leicester's Ayoze Perez and Liverpool's Andrew Robertson being the ones to start the fight. It seemed as though at full time there was a scuffle between Perez and Robertson, leading to Perez pushing Robertson.

Soon enough there was a group of Liverpool players going up against Perez, who was the angriest of the lot. Perez was dragged out of the brawl by his teammates and the fight seemingly ended, but Perez was still seen exchanging words with Robertson while going down the tunnel.

Robertson and Perez will be going head to head again as the Liverpool left-back and the Leicester right-winger will continuously be facing off each other. Given their fight last time and the position they play for their teams, we could have a sequel of the October fight. Red Cards? It's a possibility.

#2 VAR controversy

Liverpool FC v Leicester City - Premier League
Liverpool FC v Leicester City - Premier League

It was a 95th minute penalty by James Milner which deprived Leicester of a point the last time out. VAR awarded Liverpool a penalty late in the match after Marc Albrighton's tackle on Sadio Mane inside the penalty box. Referee Chris Kavanagh deemed it a penalty and later went on to check with the VAR, who confirmed the decision.

Many Leicester fans were unhappy with that, as replays showed Albrighton not responsible for Mane falling inside the box. The controversy that emerged with the decision has been going on throughout the season. The late penalty meant Liverpool won the game, taking the match entirely out of Brendan Rodgers' hands.

A game often comes down to decisions like these when two teams of high quality play competitive football. So when Liverpool come out at the King Power Stadium for a second battle between the two sides, there could well be a similar match-changing VAR decision.

It's a given that both the teams will be at each other's necks right from the get-go, and as we have seen frequently, VAR comes into play in such high-intensity matches. It just remains to be seen whether this time VAR is in favor of the Foxes or the Reds.

#1 End to Liverpool's winning run

Liverpool FC v Leicester City - Premier League
Liverpool FC v Leicester City - Premier League

Liverpool have an unbroken eight-game winning streak in the Premier League heading into the match. The last time Liverpool dropped points was back in October against Manchester United in a 1-1 draw.

During this eight-win streak, Liverpool have defeated the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City, and they are still unbeaten in the league.

However, Liverpool are in the midst of a very congested festive period, having just returned from Qatar after tasting Club World Cup glory. The final of the that tournament against Flamengo saw them play 120 minutes and also lose Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to injury.

Leicester too have had a busy festive period, but with no European duties on their hands, they have been a little more relaxed than Liverpool. Brendan Rodgers has a fully fit side and would be keen to exploit Liverpool's fatigue.

Leicester have had immense success in the Premier League this season, having kept the most clean-sheets and having the highest goalscoring player Jamie Vardy. Vardy has now scored an astounding 12 goals in his last 10 matches, and the Leicester number 9 would pose a significant threat to Liverpool.

After a loss to Manchester City, Rodgers would know that a win against Liverpool would be crucial - not only to keep the title race alive, but also to keep Leicester at the second spot in the table. While Jurgen Klopp has defied all critics and has come out as a major force this season, the Foxes might spring a surprise on Boxing Day.

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Edited by Musab Abid