![Liverpool predicted lineup - Cody Gakpo [pictured] is unavailable until the new year.](https://lastwordonsports.com/football/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/12/gettyimages-1452953973-594x594-1.jpeg)
Liverpool will be playing their final game of 2022 when they host Leicester City at Anfield on Friday. We at Last Word on Football have put together a Liverpool Predicted Lineup for this upcoming clash where the Reds will attempt to end the year on a high note.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs Leicester City
How Liverpool Have Lined-up Recently
The Reds resumed their Premier League season in impressive fashion with a hard-fought win over Aston Villa on Boxing Day. With a few injuries in their squad, Liverpool are likely to retain a similar shape and identity in their final game of the year too.
Mo Salah looks refreshed after getting some rest during the World Cup and is firing on all cylinders. Darwin Nunez is helping create chances, while the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson are acting as their creative beacons with their excellent delivery from the wings. Klopp’s side recently received a boost with the acquisition of Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo, but he can only start games for them from the New Year.
Read More: Why Liverpool Are in Race to Sign Enzo Fernandez
Liverpool also appear to have become much sturdier defensively, with Virgil van Dijk recovering from his World Cup disappointment admirably. They should continue with their trademark 4-3-3 style and look to outclass the Foxes with their high-pressing, heavy-metal attacking football to give their supporters a delightful New Year’s present.
Liverpool Recent Form and Tactics
After a shaky start to the season, Liverpool have gradually steadied the ship and gotten more consistent in grinding out positive results in the last few months. They have won their last three Premier League games and have lost just once in their last five in all competitions. After the World Cup break, they were beaten by Manchester City in the Carabao Cup but bounced back strongly with a commendable victory over Villa.
Liverpool have also regained their swagger during recent games and are applying Klopp’s tactics well. They have the reputation of being a challenge to play against, as the players are instructed to implement a high press style that encourages midfielders and forwards to relentlessly close down space for the opposition defenders and deep-lying midfielders.
Read More: Liverpool Progressing in Talks With Roberto Firmino Over New Contract
The Merseyside club can be menacing in counter-attacks with their rapid wide players and tend to create most of their chances through the wings too. Indeed, Alexander-Arnold and Robertson often act as complete wing-backs – which allows Mo Salah and the other winger to drift into more central areas to add more bodies in and around the penalty area. Nunez might be struggling with his finishing, but his clever off-the-ball movement and tendency to get behind defenders have helped Liverpool open up the opposition backline well.
Klopp’s side have been a little bit porous defensively this season, conceding some sloppy goals. But Alisson is almost always there to bail his defenders out of trouble, while Van Dijk as well as defensive midfielder Fabinho appear to have found their form to command a tight backline. However, fans should expect Liverpool to have an all-out-attack stance against Leicester, pressuring them with unwavering attacking moves and looking to score many goals to entertain the Anfield crowd.
Liverpool Injuries to Consider
James Milner and Roberto Firmino missed the last game through injury and are unlikely to be back for this one either. Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz are months away from returning to action, while Arthur Melo is also working on getting back to full fitness.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup
Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Fabinho, Thiago Alcantara, Jordan Henderson, Mo Salah, Fabio Carvalho, Darwin Nunez.
