Starting XI: How should Liverpool line up against Leicester City?

@AdamMNVi

The Foxes thought they would coast to the League Cup semi-finals last week but Jurgen Klopp had other ideas as he made an astute triple substitution at half-time, and after having Boxing Day off, the Reds should be fresh to go out and give a solid performance at the King Power Stadium.

It’s an important three points for this one after Manchester City cruised past Brendan Rodgers’ side, and news that Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho, Thiago and Curtis Jones are all available for selection is music to the ears of fans. 

Here’s how we should line up:

Ibou Konate’s performance last time out against Leicester is worthy of a start. He’s joined by Virgil van Dijk in the heart of defence, though there will be no Andy Robertson who is still serving his suspension after volleying a Spurs player – but he did have a black eye to be fair…

The beautiful combination of Fabinho and Thiago returns to the midfield. The Reds can go full strength for this one with games in the EFL Cup and FA Cup providing room for rotation, but I’ve gone for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who deserves a start after a goal last time out.

Upfront for one of the final times before AFCON – Mo Salah and Sadio Mane start on the flanks with Diogo Jota through the middle. We need to leave ourselves in the best possible position ahead of the tournament, and three points against Leicester and Chelsea will be perfect ways to maintain the chase in the league title. 

After not much rest and a difficult week, it’s tough to see how Brendan Rodgers can motivate his side for this one. Their full strength side has played too many minutes in a short space of time, and that should play into the hands of Liverpool who should be able to cruise to the three points on the night.

Score prediction: Leicester City 0 – 3 Liverpool

Check out how Chris thinks Jurgen will line his side up with our latest Starting XI Prediction