Liverpool v Leicester: Foxes poor run will continue

Liverpool 1.32 v Leicester 11.00; The Draw 6.40
Saturday, 15:00

Liverpool's problems too big to be solved by one signing

Liverpool's defensive worries have never been far away under Jurgen Klopp and the club have acted decisively in an effort to stop the flow of goals.

Having been frustrated in their efforts to sign Virgil van Dijk during the summer, Liverpool have moved fast to secure a £75m deal for the centre-back, that will take place when the January transfer window opens. Though Van Dijk has the qualities to improve Liverpool's back four significantly, it's fair to say that he is merely a bit of the jigsaw rather than the final piece of the puzzle.

Liverpool's defensive issues were on clear display in their recent 3-3 draw with Arsenal and they will continue to have problems until they recruit a defensive midfielder that can better protect the central defenders, who often find themselves exposed in one-on-one situations. They also need to improve the quality of their options at goalkeeper and in the full-back positions, where they are short of the standards required to compete for the title.

Klopp's defensive options are currently reduced by injury. Full-backs Nathaniel Clyne and Alberto Moreno, along with midfielder Jordan Henderson, are all out.

Leicester also need to plug leaky defence

Leicester's positive start under Claude Puel has given way to a poor run of form.

The Foxes have not won any of their last four games and though they faced tough opposition in the shape of Manchester City and Manchester United, they would have expected better than to lose Premier League games to Crystal Palace and most recently, Watford.

Like his opposing manager, one of Puel's chief tasks is to sort out Leicester's defence. They rarely keep a clean sheet and despite being eighth in the league, only six clubs have conceded more goals this season.

Leicester have also got some key defenders missing. Title-winners Danny Simpson and Robert Huth are both unavailable.

Back Liverpool to get off to a quick start

Liverpool are the 1.32 favourites, with the draw at 6.40 and Leicester out at 11.00.

With Leicester coming into this match off the back of a disappointing defeat to Watford and Liverpool having thrashed Swansea at Anfield on Boxing Day, these odds look pretty fair.

The price is not big enough to recommend, but there is some appeal in Liverpool to win half-time/full-time at 1.91. Each of Liverpool's last seven victories have seen them leading at the break.

Goals inevitable as attack-focused sides meet

Over 2.5 goals is the big favourite at 1.40, with unders at 2.84.

Again, that's a fair assessment in a match between two teams that have no trouble scoring, but find it more difficult to keep them out. Yet despite goals being expected, Both Teams To Score is available at 1.73. These sides shared five goals when they last met, with Liverpool winning 3-2 at the King Power Stadium.

By coming both teams to score and Liverpool to win, you can create another interesting option, with the Reds available at 2.60.

Big names can deliver at bargain prices

Mohamed Salah failed to find the net in the 5-0 thrashing of Liverpool and looks like good value to add to the 15 goals he's scored this season at 1.83.

Jamie Vardy is another player available at a decent price. His six goals against Liverpool is the most that the Leicester striker has notched against any opponent and he can be backed to add to his tally at 3.50.