Predicting Liverpool’s results over the Christmas period; a clean sweep for Klopp?

Add as preferred source on Google

Liverpool should gain six points from their two Premier League fixtures over the Christmas period, but how realistic is that possibility?

Aston Villa vs Liverpool

On Boxing Day, the Reds take on Aston Villa away from home. The Villains currently sit 12^th in the league table, whereas the Merseyside outfit are up in sixth.

However, following the sacking of Anfield legend Steven Gerrard after his side’s 3-0 loss to Fulham, the club have since appointed Unai Emery, who arrived from Villarreal.

In his first game in charge, Villa beat Manchester United 3-1. Although they lost to the same team four days later in the Carabao Cup, they bounced back with a 2-1 win over Brighton.

Having also beat Chelsea in a friendly recently, the Boxing Day clash will be no easy match for Liverpool.

A mixed performance against Manchester City last night saw a number of disappointing performances. A lack of clinical finishing was a big issue for the Reds, so coming up against a re-energised Villa side, Jurgen Klopp’s XI may struggle to break down their defence.

Having said this, the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker will be available for selection, so the back-line should be more solid than recently demonstrated.

Therefore, we’re going for a 2-1 victory for Liverpool. A well-rested Mohamed Salah will likely prove too much for the Villa defence, and the added boost of the Brazil no.1 in goal will add confidence at the back.

Liverpool vs Leicester City

The Reds return to Anfield on Friday 30 December with a clash against Leicester City.

After an extremely poor start to the season, the Foxes have worked their way up to 13^th in the league table.

Since drawing to Crystal Palace on October 15, Brendan Rodgers’ side have won six of their last seven games – and even that one loss only came as a 1-0 defeat to Man City.

On Tuesday night, Leicester cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory over MK Dons in the Carabao Cup.

This will give them confidence going into the Christmas period. However, with a Boxing Day fixture against Newcastle, the subsequent match against Liverpool may prove more physically demanding.

Saying this, we predict another 2-1 win for the Reds. This will also be a tough match-up for Klopp’s men, but we think they will demonstrate enough quality to edge another Christmas victory.