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Liverpool will host Leicester City at Anfield in the most high-profile game from tonight in the Premier League. There are a couple of records on offer- Liverpool can make it 64 games unbeaten at home and can also claim a new record for scoring in 39 successive Premier League matches at home.
Interestingly enough, it was Leicester City that rained on Liverpool's 63-match unbeaten streak back in 1981. The stage seems to be set for something similar to happen as the Foxes travel to Merseyside. In terms of immediate benefits though, Leicester City can move to the top of the table with a win tonight.
Though Liverpool have looked formidable of late despite the cards they were dealt, this is one tough fixture to navigate particularly because of the predicament they find themselves in. On that note, let's take a look at five reasons why Liverpool will struggle against Leicester City tonight.
#5 Liverpool defence more vulnerable than ever
Let it be shown on record that Aston Villa pulled off their 7-2 trouncing of Liverpool when Virgil Van Dijk was fully fit and present. Jurgen Klopp has cause for concern with regard to his backline after having conceded 16 goals from eight games so far.
That is the third worst defensive record in the league so far. It is quite surprising given how Jurgen Klopp's men had the best defensive record in the league in the 2019-20 season where they were crowned champions.
To make matters worse, Jurgen Klopp will have to do without three of his first-choice defenders. Virgil Van Dijk is a long-term absentee while Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez are also sidelined. This means that Andy Robertson and Joel Matip will be the only experienced defenders who will take the field tonight for the Reds.
#4 Leicester City are in top form
Though they have conceded two defeats already this season, when the Foxes have got going, they have flown. Brendan Rodgers has truly transformed this side into one of the finest units in the league and after narrowly missing out on a Champions League berth last season, they look set to mount a title-challenge this term.
The likes of Jamie Vardy and James Maddison have been in top form and the team as a whole has stepped it up over the past couple months or so. They have won all of their last six games across all competitions and will be taking on a depleted Liverpool side.
Leicester City also have a reputation for stepping up to the task on big occasions and did a job on Manchester City early on in the season, beating Pep's men 5-2. They have also beaten Arsenal and Wolves already as well.
#3 Lack of creativity in Liverpool midfield
While Fabinho and Wijnaldum are industrious and very effective in their own ways, they might just need to play out of their skins against the likes of Mendy, Youri Tielemans and James Maddison. Jordan Henderson is out with a thigh injury as well.
The Leicester City midfield has an enviable dynamic about it and if Thiago Alcantara is eventually forced to sit this one out, then there will be a severe lack of creativity in midfield for Liverpool. It is not clear whether or not Fabinho will play either.
Curtis Jones is likely to take up a spot in midfield. If neither Fabinho nor Thiago are available, then youngsters Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams will be the alternative choices.
#2 Mo Salah's absence will affect Liverpool's attacking prospects
Mohamed Salah has been Liverpool's top scorer so far this season. The Egyptian has chipped in with some very crucial goals in crucial games and currently has a tally of eight goals from as many matches. He has also been their main creative cog in attack.
However, Salah will not be available after testing positive for the Coronavirus. Roberto Firmino has underperformed so far for the Merseysiders and as such, Jurgen Klopp will be hoping that the Brazilian snaps out of it and turns it around really soon.
Diogo Jota, meanwhile, has been in good form and so has Sadio Mane. But Leicester City share the best defensive record in the league with Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers and with their most reliable goal getter unavailable, this could end up being a tricky fixture for Liverpool.
#1 All the pressure's on Liverpool
It's been a strange start to the new Premier League season in all fairness. Teams are moving in packs. None of the sides have been absolutely dominant and most teams have looked like world beaters on one day and bang-average in the next.
The same is true of both Liverpool and Leicester City. However, we expected to see Liverpool do better at the beginning of the season. Though they've looked better over the last seven games or so, their defensive frailties have not been as prominent as they are now.
Liverpool are currently fourth on the Premier League table and there's a chance that those at the top including Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur could pull away if the Merseysiders don't come away with a win tonight.
Things are going to get tough for Liverpool from January and they will have to face the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, Leicester and Everton in the span of a month and as such, this period right before Christmas is crucial for Jurgen Klopp and co.
They need to keep their head above the water and their noses in front of the pack. As such, they cannot afford to slip up now.
