It's a little premature to say the recent Liverpool crisis has been averted, but at least they managed to stop the rot and record only their fifth Premier League win of the season at home to Stoke City on the weekend. Brendan Rodgers' side are still sitting in the bottom half of the table, but, at least for the moment, he has eased the pressure that had been steadily building on the back of an extremely underwhelming start to the new season.
Leicester City vs. Liverpool live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch the EPL online
Liverpool shouldn’t have too much of a problem swatting aside the Premier League’s basement club Leicester on Tuesday.
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On Tuesday the Reds will be presented with a glorious opportunity to seal a second consecutive victory for only the second time this season, as they visit the Premier League's basement-dwellers, Leicester City. Nigel Pearson's side made a bright start to the campaign, though they have lost momentum quickly and now find themselves rooted to the foot of the table -- albeit only sitting a single point clear of safety.
Key player - Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool)
Philippe Coutinho is a frustrating player. The playmaker is more than capable of producing sublime moments of brilliance, but can also spend most of a match lashing hopeless shots wide of goal, and committing errors that lead to Liverpool's attacks breaking down. Consistency is what is preventing him from establishing himself as a top-tier talent, and Brendan Rodgers must be praying he finds some.
Key matchup - Leonardo Ulloa vs. the Liverpool centre-backs
Leonardo Ulloa has been one of Leicester’s star performers so far this season, scoring five times in his opening 13 appearances. The big Argentine is a huge physical presence in attack, allowing him to bully opposition centre-backs and latch onto long balls when Leicester scramble the ball forward quickly. With Liverpool’s defence not exactly watertight, he could enjoy this match.
Leicester City injuries and suspensions
Out: Dean Hammond (calf), Matthew Upson (foot). In doubt: None.
Liverpool injuries and suspensions
Out: Mamadou Sakho, Daniel Sturridge (thigh), Suso (groin), Jon Flanagan (knee). In doubt: Mario Balotelli (groin).
Leicester will still be without midfielder Dean Hammond and defender Matthew Upson, though manager Nigel Pearson should still be able to name his strongest lineup. Liverpool, however, will still be without first-team regulars Mamadou Sakho and Daniel Sturridge, while Mario Balotelli is doubtful with his ongoing groin injury.
Match Date/Time: Tuesday, 7:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: King Power Stadium, Leicester, England
TV: Premier League Extra Time, Directv (U.S.), Sportsnet World (Canada), BT Sport 1 (U.K.)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), BT Sport 1 (U.K.)
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