Premier League preview: Leicester City vs Liverpool

Third against fourth

Leicester City face a faltering Liverpool side at the King Power Stadium on Saturday in a key top-four battle in the Premier League.

Leicester form

The hosts go into the game in third, three points above Liverpool in the table and seven behind Manchester City having played a game more. Brendan Rodgers’ side drew 0-0 at Wolves last weekend in a drab, dour game. They faced just one shot on target but did not force many openings themselves.

Leicester have lost just one of their last 13 games in all competitions, and have maintained a place in the Champions League positions for most of the season.

James Maddison of Leicester City celebrates after scoring their side’s first goal whilst keeping a social distance from Youri Tielemans of Leicester City during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Southampton at The King Power Stadium. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

The Foxes have struggled at home this season, winning just five of 11 home matches and losing five. But on the whole their form reads good – they have the second best form in the league from the past 10 matches.

Liverpool form

Liverpool are having a torrid time and last week’s defeat to Manchester City spelled the end of their title hopes. Alisson’s error-prone performance last week saw them concede four to Man City and lose their third home game in a row for the first time since 1963.

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker looks dejected after their 4-1 defeat during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield. (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)

Last season the Reds were dominant and relentless but it’s been a different story this season. With 40 points from 23 games, they are 27 points down on their total from last season at the same stage.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have won three of their last 10 league games and are ranked 12th for their form across those matches.

Team news

Jamie Vardy is back from hernia surgery but James Justin suffered a knee injury in midweek and may miss his first match of the season. Fabinho is ruled out for Liverpool while January signing Ozan Kabak may make his debut.

Head-to-head

Liverpool have got the better of Leicester in their recent meetings. They have won 12 of the last 17 matches in the Premier League and six of the past seven, including a 3-0 win at Anfield in November. Leicester have lost their last three home Premier League games against the Merseyside club.

Featured image: Jamie Vardy of Leicester City celebrates his sides second goal after an own goal from Toby Alderweireld of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. (Photo by Andy Rain – Pool/Getty Images)