No home comforts for returning Rodgers and Foxes
Brendan Rodgers desperately needs a boost as he returns once more to Anfield in the opposition dugout. The former Liverpool head coach has never won as an away manager, and told some home truths in his post-match interview after the humiliating 4-1 surrender to local rivals Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup, meekly surrendering their status as holders in the process. Under the lights on Thursday evening, there's little scope for him or his underperforming players to hide. Read our preview here:
Demon Díaz
With Mo Salah's Egypt agonisingly losing out to Reds teammate Sadio Mane's Senegal on penalties at the AFCON final, there were opportunities for Takumi Minamino and new signing Luis Díaz to impress in the victory over Championship side Cardiff City at the weekend. Whether the former Porto goalscorer is handed a first Premier League start remains open to debate, but Jürgen Klopp knows he has someone who can continue to make an instant impact in the wide areas of the front three.
Tiel's off colour
The sheer number of players either injured or not reaching the levels of the last two seasons for the visitors are combining to be a massive concern for Rodgers. This cohort includes the likes of Youri Tielemans, who has little over 12 months remaining on his contract. Naturally, that impasse has alerted domestic rivals, but all parties will want to see a significant improvement in the playmaker's performances; taking the pressure off a defensive unit extremely low on confidence has to be the order of the day on Thursday through swift counters.
Betting tip
Leicester rarely come away from matches without some form of consolation goal, and given their massive struggles of late, coupled with the possible returns of both Mané and Salah, goals will be very likely in good number. bet365 have odds of 3.00 for over 4.5.
