Liverpool will face Leicester City in the Premier League Boxing Day game on Thursday after their big Tottenham Hotspur victory. The Reds made an emphatic statement by beating Spurs 3-6 in last weekend’s away game at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.
However, head coach Arne Slot’s men need to maintain a high level of consistency with no margin for error. Liverpool showed complacency in certain phases of the game against Spurs during the second half, forcing them to concede two goals.
While Liverpool enjoyed a four-day gap since their Tottenham game before facing Leicester, Slot needs to manage the team’s fitness. The Dutch head coach could play the same team that started against the Spurs or make changes for tactical reasons.
Liverpool are heading into the post-Christmas Boxing Day game against Leicester City at the top of the Premier League table.
Liverpool are heading into the post-Christmas Boxing Day game against Leicester City at the top of the Premier League table.
Furthermore, Liverpool will face West Ham United in an away game next Sunday, leaving a three-day gap between these fixtures. The Reds will enjoy a week-long break after playing the Hammers before they play arch-rivals Manchester United on 5th January.
Liverpool cannot take the Foxes for granted despite their poor form in the recent Premier League games. Before losing 4-0 to Newcastle United, Leicester managed a victory and a draw against West Ham and Brighton respectively.
Their new manager Ruud van Nistelrooy would prefer nothing more than extracting points away from Liverpool at Anfield. Any point at the boxing day could act as a turning point for his current club.
Meanwhile, the Reds have Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley still missing, as confirmed by Slot (via Liverpool Echo), due to their respective long-term injuries. Federico Chiesa failed to make it to the Spurs’ squad with his status remaining a mystery for now.
The Kop Times predicted starting-eleven for Liverpool against Leicester in the Premier League Boxing Day clash are as follows-
Goalkeeper and Defence
Allison Becker
Apart from a victory and three points, Liverpool would want a clean sheet during this home game as a priority. Alisson Becker returned from his hamstring injury during the Girona victory right after the Newcastle United draw.
The legendary goalkeeper has conceded five goals in two games against Fulham and Spurs, something he would want to rectify.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
With his incredible playmaking ability, Trent Alexander-Arnold played a crucial role against Spurs, finding attacking players at will. However, the 26-year-old needs to continue his immense defensive improvement this season with another all-round performance at the right-back position.
The Kop Times predicted Liverpool's lineup against Leicester City in the Premier League's Boxing Day game of 2024.
The Kop Times predicted Liverpool’s lineup against Leicester City in the Premier League’s Boxing Day game of 2024.
Joe Gomez
Joe Gomez has established himself as the replacement for the injured Konate despite the goals that Liverpool conceded. Liverpool needs to make a collective effort in defensive phases to avoid a repeat of second-half against Tottenham.
Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk remains a dominant figure in the Reds defence, playing a key role in and out of possession. Van Dijk’s ball distribution abilities are second to none and his calm defensive manoeuvring creates a psychological reliance.
Andy Robertson
Robertson has suffered from inconsistencies this season combined with his disastrous first-half performance against Fulham resulting in the draw. The Scottish left-back also made a big error during the Tottenham’s third goal and needs to rectify his form immediately.
Midfield
Ryan Gravenberch
Ryan Gravenberch continues to play a pivotal role for Liverpool and will potentially play ahead of Wataru Endo. The 22-year-old’s last obstacle to fulfil his immense potential is the season-long maintenance of his high level of performance.
Alexis Mac Allister
Alexis Mac Allister played a pivotal goalscoring role for the Reds against Spurs before his 68th-minute substitution. While Slot could give Curtis Jones an opportunity due to his terrific form, Mac Allister remains a first-choice midfielder.
Dominik Szoboszlai
Dominik Szoboszlai has finally added goals and assists to his strong performances this season as his high work rate and overall contribution remain pivotal. Slot has Harvey Elliott as another potential option for this game but Szoboszlai could start to maintain his momentum.
Attack
Mohamed Salah
The Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah has continued his prolific form and made history by becoming the first player to hit double digits with both goals and assists in the Premier League before Christmas. The Egyptian king needs to finish the season stronger than he did during the 2023-24 season for Liverpool to secure any major trophy.
Diogo Jota
Diogo Jota is the only potential change we think Slot will make from the team that started against Spurs. While Luis Diaz remains a pivotal in-form player for the Reds, this is a good game to start a natural number-nine.
Darwin Nunez is another potential option to start but Jota could gain more match fitness by starting against Leicester.
Cody Gakpo
Cody Gakpo massively influenced the game against Spurs from the left-wing position before earning a 68th-minute substitution. The Dutch forward has maintained a high level of consistency since the March 2023 international break. He could start ahead of the regular first-team name, Diaz, and again influence the attack against the Foxes.
Liverpool’s Predicted Starting XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Salah, Jota, Gakpo