The King Power was the site of Liverpool’s Community Shield victory over Man City in August, but the last time the Reds visited Leicester in the league, they were defeated 1-0.
In what has by far been Jurgen Klopp’s team’s most consistent stretch of form this year, the Reds travel to the Foxes hoping to make it seven straight victories.
In December, two own goals from Wout Faes were sufficient for Liverpool to win all three points, and the Reds will be eager to defeat both of Monday’s opponents for the first time since 2019–20.
Here’s 10 things you need to know ahead of Leicester vs. Liverpool.
1. Still no Bobby
On Monday night, Roberto Firmino won’t be playing against Leicester, disappointing fans who were wanting to see him before he leaves.
The boss said the Brazilian is “nearly there” but won’t play against the Foxes in his pre-game press conference.
The forward now has just two more chances to don the red shirt before leaving this summer, with the visit of Aston Villa next Saturday likely to be his final outing at Anfield.
2. Smith can humble Liverpool
The Reds have won five of their seven games against teams coached by Dean Smith, but on the other two occasions, the current Leicester manager easily defeated Liverpool.
When the first team squad was in Qatar for the Club World Cup, Smith oversaw a 7-2 thrashing of the Reds and a 5-0 victory over Liverpool’s second-youngest team in club history while playing for Aston Villa.
We are content to act as though neither of those victories ever occurred because one occurred in the midst of a pandemic and the other occurred when Liverpool’s team was more than 4,000 miles away.
3. An unhappy hunting ground
Although the Reds have triumphed in their last two meetings with Leicester, things haven’t always gone according to plan against their opponents on Monday night.
Prior to the two victories at Anfield in 2022, Klopp’s team had lost two of their previous two trips to the King Power Stadium and had gone three games without a victory in this match.
Leicester has won five of their nine home matches against Liverpool since being promoted to the top division in 2014.
4. Expect goals
At the risk of placing a curse on the contest, the two sides have not played out a goalless draw in their last 19 meetings.
You would have to go back to 2004 to find the last time Liverpool and Leicester recorded a 0-0 in this fixture, with goals coming in every meeting since the Foxes regained their Premier League status.
5. A welcome break
The Reds’ busy stretch comes to an end with a nine-day break in play.
Liverpool played six games in 28 days in April and May, with the team having a break following Brentford to enjoy some well-deserved time in Barcelona.
Let’s hope that the Reds are prepared to take advantage of the break and highlight the difference in class between the two teams now that they have had time to rest and recover.
6. Salah to surpass Stevie?
This season, Mohamed Salah has made it a habit to reach significant milestones on a weekly basis. His opening goal against Brentford allowed him to catch up to one of the greats.
The Egyptian and Steven Gerrard are now locked for fifth place on the club’s all-time scoring list, and he has a chance to pass the former captain by scoring against the Foxes.
Ian Rush’s 346 goals in all competitions remain a ways off, but Salah will undoubtedly have Billy Liddell’s 228 goals in mind as he strives to go up the ladder more in the upcoming season.
7. An unwanted hat-trick for Faes?
Leicester‘s centre-back has been an ever-present in the side this season, but his last visit to Anfield was one to forget for the 25-year-old.
Faes scored twice at the wrong end to hand Liverpool a 2-1 victory back in December and will be hoping not to give the Reds such a helping hand again on this occasion.
8. Mr. Reliable
Though it’s understandable to assume that whatever cameos James Milner makes between now and the end of the campaign will be motivated by emotion, his most recent appearance statistics would argue the opposite.
The 37-year-old has started 16 of Liverpool’s past 17 Premier League games as he continues to provide crucial leadership and experience right up until his last day at the club. He captained the Reds from right-back against Chelsea at home in January.
If the midfielder makes his debut on Monday night from the bench, do not be at all shocked.
9. Pawson in charge
Craig Pawson will referee Monday evening’s clash in a repeat of the reverse fixture back in December.
Klopp has been critical of Pawson in the past, questioning two key decisions during his side’s 3-2 defeat away at West Ham in November 2021.
He will be assisted by Harry Lennard and Marc Perry on the sidelines, with Andre Marriner the game’s fourth official.
10. Follow the action with us!
Leicester vs. Liverpool is live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage commencing at 7pm (BST) ahead of the 8pm kickoff.
For a Liverpool take on proceedings, feel free to join us for TIA’s matchday live blog which will be available from 7.15pm on the night.
