Leicester must go back to basics to counter Liverpool threat

Adrian Clarke looks at key tactical points and players who can be decisive in Matchweek 18.

Leicester City

For the second time in five days Leicester's defensive resolve will face a stern test as they face a resurgent Liverpool at Anfield.

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The Foxes produced a disappointing Boxing Day display against Newcastle United, conceding three times inside 32 minutes in a resounding 3-0 defeat.

It was a performance that prompted manager Brendan Rodgers to criticise his side's attitude and commitment.

By contrast, Liverpool returned to Premier League action with eye-catching attacking verve, hitting the target with nine shots in an exciting 3-1 win at Aston Villa.

Concern on transitions

Leicester must be careful not to overplay at the back against Liverpool's renowned press.

The penalty kick they conceded against Newcastle stemmed from giving the ball away inside their own defensive third - and throughout that match the defensive players were loose with their distribution.

Counter-attacks will also be a worry for Rodgers.

Liverpool were exhilarating on the break at Villa Park, with the pace of Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah cutting Unai Emery's side open on numerous occasions.

Salah's goal v Aston Villa

This could be a problem for a Leicester team that has been vulnerable to fast breaks this term, conceding four times from those situations.

Only Everton, with a total of seven, have leaked more counter-attack goals.

Players' speed compared 2022/23

Liverpool's front men hold a significant speed advantage over the back four who lined up for Leicester against Newcastle.

Fearing this, Rodgers may switch to a more cautious low block, similar to the one that frustrated Manchester City in a narrow 1-0 loss earlier this season.

If they opt for his preferred possession-based approach with the use of attacking full-backs, it will provide an attacking threat but this could be offset by leaving holes for Liverpool's rapid forwards to exploit down the wide channels.

In those scenarios there is a heavy reliance on the main defensive midfielder, Boubakary Soumare or Wilfred Ndidi, to supply expert cover.

Heading for trouble?

Joelinton scored with a towering header at Leicester on Boxing Day, which highlighted their fragility at dealing with aerial threats.

Leicester have conceded four headed goals this term, and 40 shots from headers, the sixth-highest figure in the division in both categories.

Lacking a tall goalkeeper, a commanding central defender, and full-backs who are aerially strong, opponents do try to prey on this potential weakness.

Top aerial threat

Liverpool are excellent in the air, so this aspect of the match will be a tactical concern.

Jurgen Klopp's side pose a serious danger from set-pieces, while in open play they also benefit from excellent service into the box provided by crosses from full-backs Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Van Dijk's set-piece finish

Rodgers' side were on a terrific run prior to the FIFA World Cup 2022 break but their form against the division's strongest teams remains underwhelming.

The Foxes have lost seven, drawn two and won no matches so far against clubs placed 12th or above.

Room for improvement

Conceding four, five and six away to Arsenal, Brighton & Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur respectively, there are question marks surrounding their resilience as a team, especially on the road.

Leicester have scored in 14 consecutive away Premier League matches, so they will ask questions of Liverpool in this contest.

But can they keep out the goals at the other end of the pitch?

To stand any chance of picking up a positive result at Anfield, Leicester must defend far better than they did last time out and come up with a plan to protect some of their more obvious flaws.

Also in this series

Part 2: Can Lloris and Martinez bring World Cup form to clubs?