Liverpool vs Leicester City: Predicted Lineup, Team News, and Injury Updates as Vardy’s Replacement Identified – Opinion

Leicester City suffered a disheartening 3-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers in their most recent Premier League match.

Liverpool, on the other hand, entered the festive period at the top of the table.

They now aim to extend their lead over Chelsea and Arsenal as the title race intensifies.

While Arne Slot’s Liverpool side has suffered just one defeat in the 2024/25 campaign, Leicester City has managed only three wins and faces the grim prospect of ending Boxing Day in the relegation zone.

It seems unlikely the Foxes will secure points in this fixture, especially with several key players potentially sidelined.

Leicester City Team and Injury News vs Liverpool

Harry Winks made his comeback from injury off the bench last weekend after being sidelined since the Chelsea clash.

Boubakary Soumare returned to the starting lineup, but Wilfred Ndidi remained absent from the squad as he continues his injury rehabilitation.

The Liverpool game will come too soon for Ndidi.

In another setback, manager Ruud van Nistelrooy revealed that Jamie Vardy is unlikely to feature against Liverpool, dealing a blow to Leicester’s attacking options.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Mads Hermansen is still doubtful, though Jakub Stolarczyk has returned and will be available for Boxing Day.

Leicester City Predicted Lineup vs Liverpool

Danny Ward faced heavy criticism during Leicester’s recent loss to Wolves, conceding six goals in just 135 minutes of action this month.

With Stolarczyk back, Ward is expected to be dropped.

Van Nistelrooy also substituted Jannik Vestergaard at halftime during the Wolves game, hinting at changes in the backline.

Fans have been vocal about Facundo Buonatte’s absence from the starting eleven, and the Argentine is likely to return after Leicester’s poor run of results without him.

The primary challenge for Van Nistelrooy will be finding a suitable replacement for Vardy in the striker role.

While Odsonne Edouard is still seeking his first Premier League goal of the season, Patson Daka appears to be the preferred choice.

Van Nistelrooy has praised Daka’s contributions, and the Zambian forward is expected to lead the line.

Predicted XI vs Liverpool

Stolarczyk (GK); James Justin, Caleb Okoli, Conor Coady, Victor Kristiansen; Harry Winks, Boubakary Soumare; Jordan Ayew, Facundo Buonatte, Stephy Mavididi; Patson Daka.