Klopp’s squad needs to be well prepared against this face-off with Leicester City.
When Liverpool last met Leicester City, the first indications of a concerted title challenge emerged. From the manner in which the Reds forged into a two-goal lead at the King Power Stadium back in September, to how they successfully saw out the match despite Alisson Becker’s infamous boob, it augured well for the remarkable Premier League form that was to follow for Jurgen Klopp’s side. However, the Reds were bolstered by one significant fact that afternoon.
Jamie Vardy wasn’t playing, the 32-year old striker suspended after being sent off against Wolverhampton Wanderers the previous week. Now Liverpool entertain Leicester City in the reverse fixture on Wednesday evening having gone into the latest round of fixtures holding a four-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the table.
This time, though, Vardy will be available. And that should give Liverpool, or at least their defenders, cause for concern. Vardy has scored more Premier League goals against the Reds than any other team. And no current player has scored more Premier League goals against Liverpool than Vardy.
Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy scores against Liverpool again – this time at the King Power Stadium in February 2017.
The 32-year-old has notched seven in eight top-flight appearances against the Reds, with all his goals in fact coming in his last five outings in the fixture. Indeed, only Andy Cole (11goals) and Thierry Henry (8goals) have scored more Premier League goals against Liverpool since the competition’s inception in 1992.
Next in his list of favoured opponents is Arsenal, against whom he has scored six times in his career. Then come Manchester City, United and Everton with five, with the striker scoring four against a number of teams including Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
A more encouraging portent for Liverpool is that on the two times Vardy has netted at Anfield, Leicester have been beaten – 4-1 in 2016-17 and 2-1 last season. Even so, the main danger from the Foxes is obvious when they come to visit.
Author’s Take:
Vardy loves the big occasion against the big teams. The 32-year old Leicester city striker Jamie Vardy has scored more PL goals against the Red than any other team. This time Vardy will be playing and that is what Liverpool is concern about. But the little bit of encouraging factor is that as many times Vardy has netted against Liverpool, Leicester has been beaten badly.
