Liverpool vs Leicester
Introduction
As the 2024/25 Premier League season edges towards its thrilling climax, Liverpool travel to the King Power Stadium for a pivotal encounter against relegation-threatened Leicester City. While the Reds are fighting tooth and nail to secure a Champions League spot, the Foxes are equally desperate to cling to their top-flight status.
With just a handful of games remaining in the campaign, every fixture is effectively a cup final for both clubs. This evening’s showdown under the floodlights promises to be a high-stakes, emotionally charged affair. In this article, we’ll dissect the confirmed Liverpool line-up, assess what it means for their tactical approach, evaluate Leicester’s likely strategy, revisit the recent form of both sides, and explore what’s at stake in this crucial encounter.
Confirmed Liverpool Starting XI and What It Means
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Van Dijk, Konaté, Tsimikas, Bradley; Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Díaz, Gakpo.
Substitutes: Kelleher, Endō, Núñez, Jones, Elliott, Jota, Robertson, Alexander-Arnold, Quansah.
Two Key Changes
Jürgen Klopp has made two changes to the side that edged West Ham United last weekend. Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai come into the starting line-up, with Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota making way.
The inclusion of Gakpo in the front three, alongside Luis Díaz and Mohamed Salah, signals Klopp’s intention to deploy a mobile, interchanging attack designed to pull Leicester’s defensive shape out of position. Gakpo’s ability to drop into midfield pockets and link play will be crucial in disrupting Leicester’s defensive structure.
In midfield, Szoboszlai’s return is equally significant. The Hungarian international adds dynamism, creativity, and a long-range threat to Liverpool’s engine room, operating alongside Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch in what promises to be an energetic and progressive midfield trio.
Tactical Expectations: Liverpool’s Approach
High Press and Vertical Transitions
Liverpool will likely stick to their hallmark style of aggressive high pressing, looking to win the ball high up the pitch and transition quickly into attack. Leicester, vulnerable when attempting to play out from the back, may struggle under this pressure — particularly if Szoboszlai and Mac Allister can pin their midfield deep.
Cody Gakpo’s inclusion suggests Klopp wants a forward capable of dropping between the lines, creating overloads in midfield, and linking play with Díaz and Salah running beyond. Expect Gakpo to drift wide and interchange positions with Díaz, leaving Salah to exploit the half-spaces and make diagonal runs towards goal.
Midfield Balance
The combination of Gravenberch, Mac Allister, and Szoboszlai offers a blend of control, creativity, and ball-carrying ability. Mac Allister will anchor the midfield, tasked with recycling possession and breaking up Leicester’s counterattacks, while Gravenberch’s surging runs and Szoboszlai’s ability to strike from distance give Liverpool attacking options through the middle.
Full-Back Dynamics
With Conor Bradley and Kostas Tsimikas starting as full-backs, Liverpool’s width will primarily come from these two. Bradley, in particular, has impressed with his overlapping runs and defensive maturity in recent matches, while Tsimikas’s delivery from wide areas could prove vital, especially if Leicester drop into a deep block.
Leicester City’s Predicted Approach
Leicester City
Leicester City, currently mired in a relegation battle, are expected to adopt a cautious, counter-attacking strategy. Manager Enzo Maresca, known for favoring possession-based football during his time in the Championship, may have to compromise his principles against Liverpool’s press.
Defensive Compactness
The Foxes will likely line up in a compact 4-2-3-1 or 5-4-1 formation when out of possession, aiming to reduce the space between the lines and force Liverpool wide. Their center-backs will need to remain disciplined against Gakpo’s movement and Salah’s diagonal runs.
Counter-Attacking Threat
Leicester’s best chance of hurting Liverpool lies on the break. With pacy forwards like Patson Daka and tricky wingers in their ranks, the Foxes could target the space behind Liverpool’s advanced full-backs, particularly when Bradley and Tsimikas push high.
Recent Form: How Do Both Teams Compare?
Liverpool
Liverpool’s recent form has been steady, if not spectacular. The Reds are unbeaten in their last five Premier League matches, with three wins and two draws. Klopp’s side demonstrated resilience against West Ham last week, grinding out a 2-1 win courtesy of a late goal.
Their defensive solidity has improved in recent weeks, with Van Dijk and Konaté forming a dependable partnership at the back. Alisson remains a crucial figure, often bailing out his defense with key saves.
Leicester City
Leicester’s form has been more erratic. Having picked up just one win in their last five league outings, the Foxes are hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone. Defeats to Brentford and Brighton, coupled with a hard-fought draw against Everton, reflect a side struggling for consistency.
Their home form has also been poor this season, with just four wins at the King Power — a vulnerability Liverpool will look to exploit.
Player Spotlights
Cody Gakpo
Back in the starting XI, Gakpo will shoulder much of Liverpool’s creative responsibility in the final third. His ability to link midfield and attack, combined with intelligent movement and precise finishing, makes him a key figure in tonight’s clash.
If Gakpo can drag Leicester’s defensive line out of shape and combine with the likes of Salah and Díaz, Liverpool’s attack could flourish.
Dominik Szoboszlai
The Hungarian’s return to the side injects energy and invention into midfield. Szoboszlai’s capacity to shoot from range, thread incisive passes, and press aggressively will be vital in disrupting Leicester’s rhythm.
His duels with Leicester’s defensive midfielders could prove decisive in determining who controls the midfield battle.
Head-to-Head Record
Liverpool have dominated this fixture in recent seasons, winning five of the last six meetings in all competitions. Notably, the Reds secured a convincing 3-0 victory when these sides last met at Anfield earlier this season.
Leicester’s last league win over Liverpool came in February 2021 — a 3-1 triumph at the King Power. Since then, Liverpool have consistently held the upper hand, both home and away.
What’s at Stake
For Liverpool
A win tonight is non-negotiable for Liverpool as they chase a top-four finish. With direct rivals Manchester United and Tottenham both picking up points in recent weeks, any slip-up could prove costly in the race for Champions League qualification.
Victory would see Liverpool maintain momentum ahead of a crucial run-in featuring fixtures against Chelsea and Newcastle.
For Leicester City
For Leicester, the stakes are arguably even higher. Currently hovering perilously above the drop zone, the Foxes desperately need points to avoid slipping into the bottom three.
Even a draw against a top-six side would be valuable in their survival bid, though Maresca’s men will be wary of Liverpool’s firepower.
Predicted Scoreline
Given Liverpool’s superior form, depth, and attacking options, the visitors head into this fixture as clear favorites. However, Leicester’s desperation for points and the unpredictability of late-season football could make this a tight contest.
Prediction: Leicester City 1-3 Liverpool
Goals from Salah, Gakpo, and Szoboszlai are expected to secure the Reds a crucial three points.
Conclusion
As both clubs approach tonight’s encounter with vastly different objectives but equally high stakes, all signs point to a fiercely contested, high-energy clash at the King Power Stadium.
Liverpool, with fresh attacking options and a returning Szoboszlai, will aim to overpower a Leicester side clinging to survival hopes. For Klopp, balancing attacking intent with defensive discipline will be crucial — as any lapse could open the door for a dangerous counter from the home side.
Supporters worldwide will be eagerly tuned in, hoping to see the Reds continue their charge towards the Champions League, while Leicester fans will cling to hopes of an upset that could revive their season.
One thing is certain: when the whistle blows at 21:00 BST, it will be more than just a game — it will be a battle for survival, pride, and European ambition.
Come on you Reds!!
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com