Leicester vs Liverpool: EPL Preview, Prediction & Betting Tips

Sunday, April 20, 2025 at 3:30 PM UTC

Match Analysis

Leicester vs Liverpool: Premier League Clash Looms - Match Preview & Predictions

Get ready for a crucial English Premier League encounter as struggling Leicester City host title-chasing Liverpool at the King Power Stadium. This highly anticipated fixture kicks off on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at 15:30 GMT (11:30 AM ET / 8:30 AM PT). Liverpool know a victory could potentially seal the Premier League title if other results go their way, while Leicester are fighting desperately against the drop. This EPL predictions piece breaks down everything you need to know.

Match Prediction and Scoreline

Based on current form, team morale, and overall quality, Liverpool are strong favourites. Leicester's recent draw showed fight, but halting the Reds' title charge seems a monumental task.

Predicted Score: Leicester 1 – 3 Liverpool

Betting Insights & Probabilities:

  • Winner Odds: Liverpool are heavily favoured (Approx. 1.30), Leicester are significant underdogs (Approx. 9.00), Draw (Approx. 5.50). (Odds are illustrative)
  • Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Yes (Likely, given Leicester scored twice last week and Liverpool's attack).
  • Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over (Highly probable with Liverpool's firepower and Leicester's defensive frailties).
  • Probability Breakdown (Estimated): Leicester Win: 10%, Draw: 15%, Liverpool Win: 75%

Looking for EPL betting tips? Liverpool to win and Over 2.5 goals seems a solid combination. A Liverpool -1 handicap also offers value.

Key Factors and Expected Outcome

Several key match factors will influence this Premier League showdown:

  • Form Disparity: Liverpool are grinding out wins, closing in on the title, despite some recent less-than-convincing performances (W4, L1 in last 5 PL). Leicester are in dire straits, winless in the league since January, and rooted near the bottom (D1, L4 in last 5 PL). Their home form under Ruud van Nistelrooy has been particularly dreadful (eight successive home league losses without scoring prior to the Brighton draw).
  • Morale & Motivation: Liverpool's spirits are high, boosted by recent contract renewals for Salah and Van Dijk, and the prospect of securing the EPL trophy. Leicester's morale is reportedly rock bottom, with fan disconnect and the shadow of relegation looming large.
  • Injuries & Availability:
    • Leicester: Key attacker Abdul Fatawu remains sidelined. Doubts linger over Wout Faes, Ricardo Pereira, and Mads Hermansen. Harry Winks appears out of favour.
    • Liverpool: Joe Gomez is out. Trent Alexander-Arnold (ankle) has returned to training but is unlikely to start, potentially making the bench. Darwin Nunez should be available after illness.
  • Managerial Impact: Arne Slot has navigated Liverpool effectively towards the title in his first season. In contrast, Ruud van Nistelrooy has overseen a disastrous period for Leicester, failing to implement a clear style or achieve results.
  • Home vs. Away: While King Power Stadium can be imposing, Leicester's recent home record negates much of that advantage. Liverpool possess the quality to win anywhere.

Expected EPL Outcome: Liverpool are expected to dominate possession and territory. Leicester will likely sit deep, aiming to frustrate and hit on the counter, but their defensive vulnerabilities and lack of consistent attacking threat make an upset highly unlikely. Expect Liverpool to secure the points, potentially confirming Leicester's relegation depending on other results.

Recent Team Form and Key Players to Watch

Leicester City

  • Last 5 Premier League Matches: D L L L L
    • Brighton 2 - 2 Leicester (A)
    • Leicester 0 - 3 Newcastle (H)
    • Manchester City 2 - 0 Leicester (A)
    • Leicester 0 - 3 Manchester United (H)
    • Chelsea 1 - 0 Leicester (A)
  • Injuries/Suspensions: Fatawu (Injured), Faes (Questionable), Winks (Out of favour).
  • Key Players:
    • Bilal El Khannouss: Young midfielder signed from Genk, shows technical promise but needs consistency. A rare bright spark.
    • Stephy Mavididi: Scored against Brighton, offers pace on the flank.
    • Mads Hermansen (if fit): Goalkeeper capable of crucial saves, vital if Leicester are to keep the score respectable.

Liverpool

  • Last 5 Premier League Matches: W L W W W
    • Liverpool 2 - 1 West Ham (H)
    • Fulham 3 - 2 Liverpool (A)
    • Liverpool 1 - 0 Everton (H)
    • Liverpool 3 - 1 Southampton (H)
    • Newcastle 0 - 2 Liverpool (A)
  • Injuries/Suspensions: Gomez (Injured), Alexander-Arnold (Questionable - likely bench).
  • Key Players:
    • Mohamed Salah: Fresh off signing a new deal, always a goal threat (check recent PL player stats).
    • Virgil van Dijk: Defensive leader, also signed a new contract, and scored the winner last week. Crucial for stability.
    • Dominik Szoboszlai: High-energy midfielder contributing goals and assists (7G, 5A this season all comps).
    • Alisson Becker: Widely regarded as the world's best in 1-v-1 situations, provides immense security.

Tactical Preview

  • Likely Formations: Both sides are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
  • Liverpool's Approach: Expect Arne Slot's typical high-intensity pressing game, aiming to win the ball back quickly and transition fast. Possession strategies will focus on dominating midfield through Mac Allister and Gravenberch/Szoboszlai, feeding the dangerous front three. Conor Bradley will likely continue at right-back, providing attacking width.
  • Leicester's Game Plan: Van Nistelrooy's side will likely adopt a pragmatic, defensive stance, trying to stay compact and limit space for Liverpool's attackers. Their best hope lies in quick counter-attacks, potentially utilising the pace of Mavididi or McAteer. However, their reported lack of a clear style and midfield issues (especially screening the defence) are major concerns.
  • Key Tactical Battles:
    • Liverpool's Attack vs. Leicester's Defence: Can Leicester's struggling backline (potentially missing Faes) cope with Salah, Jota/Nunez, and Diaz?
    • Midfield Control: The battle between Ndidi/Soumare and Liverpool's dynamic midfield trio (Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch/Endo) will be crucial for dictating the game's flow.
    • Alisson vs. Leicester Forwards: If Leicester do create chances, beating the formidable Alisson in goal will be a huge challenge.

This EPL tactical analysis points towards Liverpool having significant advantages across the pitch.

Summary and Key Takeaways

This Premier League fixture pits a team on the brink of glory against one staring into the abyss. Liverpool's relentless march towards the title contrasts sharply with Leicester's dismal season.

  • Prediction Recap: Liverpool are strong favourites to win, likely by a couple of goals (Predicted: Leicester 1-3 Liverpool).
  • Betting Angles: Liverpool to win combined with Over 2.5 goals, or Liverpool -1 handicap, appear the most sensible bets based on form and quality difference.
  • Fantasy Football Tips: Captaining Mohamed Salah is a strong option. Virgil van Dijk offers clean sheet potential and goal threat. Dominik Szoboszlai or Luis Diaz could also provide good returns. Avoid Leicester players, though El Khannouss is a differential punt for the brave.

Expect Liverpool to control the match from the outset. While Leicester showed resilience to score twice last week, their defensive frailties and lack of confidence make it difficult to see them containing Slot's side for 90 minutes. A comfortable, albeit potentially hard-fought at times, away win is the most probable outcome in this EPL clash.