Liverpool make their long-awaited return to league action against Leicester at Anfield tonight.
The Reds last played in the Premier League against Crystal Palace on January 23 and Jurgen Klopp’s side will be eager to close the gap on league leaders Manchester City.
Meanwhile, Leicester travel to Merseyside after a humiliating 4-1 defeat to local rivals Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup last weekend.
Ahead of the game, Brendan Rodgers has called out his players for their disappointing form and several pundits have predicted how Leicester’s trip to Liverpool will play out on Thursday night.
READ MORE: Mohamed Salah contract leaves Liverpool with £70m Nike question
READ MORE: Liverpool signing £17m Bayern Munich flop could spark midfield revolution
Former Arsenal hero Paul Merson is still reeling from the Foxes’ cup exit and has backed the Reds to be comfortable winners at Anfield.
“Leicester City are FA Cup holders. They have absolutely nothing else to play for all season,” he told Sportskeeda.
“I couldn’t believe I was watching – they lost to their local rivals. Nottingham Forest outplayed them in the FA Cup, and I think it was the biggest shock of the weekend.
“Leicester are not getting relegated – of course they’re not. Their season has started to fizzle out, however, and I worry for them. I don’t see anything but a Liverpool win here.”
Merson’s prediction: Liverpool 3-0 Leicester
Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson has reminded his former club of Leicester’s win over Jurgen Klopp’s team earlier this season, but believes Brendan Rodgers’ side are currently a much weaker test.
“Leicester were abject against Nottingham Forest, and the last thing they probably need now is a trip to Anfield. It's hard to be positive about them at the moment,” Lawrenson told BBC Sport.
“Reds boss Jurgen Klopp should have Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah back from [the] African Cup of Nations by Thursday and at least one of them should start this game.
“Leicester beat Liverpool after Christmas but they had a fit and firing Jamie Vardy then. Without him, and with the way the Foxes are defending right now, I don't see a repeat of that result.”
Lawrenson’s prediction: Liverpool 3-0 Leicester
Former Liiverpool striker Michael Owen believes Luis Diaz may be handed his first Liverpool start and has backed the Reds to earn three points.
“I think the new signing, Luis Diaz, will start here. He has the sort of profile Klopp likes from his players and I think he’ll slot in perfectly in that left forward position,” Owen said in his Bet Victor column.
“It’ll be difficult for him to replace Mane in that position, but he gives them great depth there, which they haven’t really had.
“As for Leicester, it’s been a difficult season. They would have had top six ambitions so to be mid-table must be frustrating. Still, there’s time for them to turn this around and I would expect a better second half of the season.
“I think Liverpool will win this though. I can see a few goals at Anfield.”
Owen’s prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Leicester
