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Liverpool saw its six-match league winning streak come to an end last time out in a controversial 2-2 draw at Tottenham, but the title chase is still very much on for the Reds.
After an unexpected layoff on Boxing Day thanks to a COVID-19 postponement, Liverpool is now rested and revived ahead of a difficult road test at the King Power Stadium. The Reds have nearly a full complement of players available for selection, and could see the return of Virgil van Dijk after his bout with COVID-19.
Leicester City cannot say the same, as the Foxes are down a number of key players, and after a taxing 6-3 heavyweight battle against Manchester City just 48 hours prior, Leicester City will face an uphill battle against another title challenger. It’s a situation that pushed manager Brendan Rodgers to have a go at the Premier League schedule makers in the build-up to the game.
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Liverpool sits six points back of leaders Manchester City, and with Pep Guardiola’s side looking like true European powers, there is no room for error for Liverpool to drop points in consecutive matches. Still, watching Leicester go toe-to-toe with City in a true roller coaster match will alert Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp of the fight that lies ahead.
Sporting News will be following the match live and providing score updates, commentary and highlights as they happen.
Liverpool vs. Leicester City live score
| 1H | 2H | Final | |
| Leicester | — | — | — |
| Liverpool | — | — | — |
Goals:
(All times Eastern)
12:49 p.m. ET: Their team’s lineup may be ravaged, but Leicester City supporters should be in a good mood at the King Power on Tuesday:
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Foxes fans will be given a free beer or water and mince pies or caramel slices ahead of #LeiLiv as a thank you for your brilliant support ?
— Leicester City (@LCFC) December 27, 2021
Liverpool vs. Leicester City lineups
If you’re a Leicester City fan, buckle up. The Foxes saw right back Ricardo Pereira suffer a broken leg in the EFL Cup (Carabao Cup) defeat to Liverpool, and he will miss significant time. Center back Caglar Soyuncu also left that match with a hamstring injury and is out for the forseeable future. Jonny Evans is unavailable for the festive fixtures with a thigh problem, and Harvey Barnes, Ryan Bertrand, and Wesley Fofana will all be missing as well.
Jamie Vardy and Wilfried Ndidi were both on the bench for the Boxing Day loss against Manchester City, but Rodgers admitted they are both injured, and were included only as emergency options due to a lack of depth. That’s the struggle Leicester City currently faces.
Leicester City projected starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Schmeichel (GK) — Thomas, Vestergaard, Amartey, Albrighton — Tielemans, Soumare — Lookman, Maddison, Perez — Iheanacho.
Leicester City subs (9): (Starting lineups released one hour prior to kickoff)
While Leicester’s bad news piles up, things are looking up for Liverpool. The club announced that Van Dijk has cleared COVID-19 protocol and is ready to return, as are Thiago, Fabinho, and Curtis Jones.
The only player unavailable for the time being is left back Andy Robertson who is suspended due to the red card picked up against Tottenham, while Harvey Elliott’s serious ankle injury keeps him out until at least January. Otherwise, the squad is as fit as can be around this time of year.
Liverpool projected starting lineup (4-3-3): Allison (GK) — Tsimikas, Van Dijk, Matip, Alexander-Arnold — Keita, Fabinho, Milner — Mane, Jota, Salah.
Liverpool subs (9): (Starting lineups released one hour prior to kickoff)
How to watch Liverpool vs. Leicester City
- Date: Tuesday, Dec. 28
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- TV channel: NBCSN
- Spanish-language TV: — None —
- Streaming: fuboTV (free 7-day trial) , NBCSports.com (authenticated users)
The match will be broadcast on NBCSN (English) which is available to stream on fuboTV . New fuboTV users can try it via a free 7-day trial .
In addition to being on NBCSN, the match will also be accessible via the NBC Sports website for authenticated cable, satellite or telco subscribers.
Liverpool-Leicester betting picks & prediction
Leicester City simply faces an unfair uphill climb in this match, having played 48 hours previously against the league leaders. Liverpool got an unexpected rest, and as a result, this match could end up with a harsh result.
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Still, both teams are proficient at finding the back of the net, and instead of backing a well-managed Leicester City side to get blown out, back the over despite the somewhat unsavory odds. This could be a blowout yet, but the Foxes will put up a fight like they did in the Carabao Cup against Liverpool (3-3 draw) and again against Man City in the 6-3 Boxing Day thriller.
Pick: Liverpool to win & over 2.5 goals parlay (-200)
Prediction: Leicester City 2, Liverpool 4
- Moneyline: Leicester +1000 / Draw +600 / Liverpool -400
- Spread: Liverpool -1.5 (-155) / Leicester +1.5 (+130)
- O/U 3.5 total goals: Over -130 / Under +105
- Both teams to score: Yes -165 / No +125
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