Leicester City have given themselves some breathing room at the top of the Premier League table after securing a 2-nil win against Liverpool on Wednesday morning (AEDT).
After a scoreless first half, Leicester would take the lead in the 60th minute thanks to a stunning long-range strike from Jamie Vardy.
Vardy would go on to secure a brace in the 71st minute, moving the Foxes five points clear of Tottenham and Arsenal.
Final score:
Leicester City 2
Liverpool 0
Leicester City will be looking to maintain their position on top of the Premier League ladder when they host Liverpool. Join The Roar for live scores from 6:45am (AEDT).
Leicester and Liverpool are separated by 13 points, but you would be a fool to suggest this will be a one-sided contest.
Tonight’s match marks the first of a serious of tough fixtures for Claudio Ranieri’s men, with visits to the Etihad and Emirates awaiting the ladder leaders.
With Premier League giants Manchester City and Arsenal looming in the next fortnight, Leicester will be desperate to secure a win against a talented but injury-plagued Liverpool outfit.
Key players Daniel Sturridge, Martin Skrtel and Philippe Coutinho all remain sidelined, but Liverpool should welcome back captain Jordan Henderson after nursing a heel injury.
On form, Leicester deservedly start favourites. This is a team with plenty of belief and structure which has been moulded by an experienced tactician in Ranieri. Their recent 1-0 away victory against fellow Premier League challengers Tottenham Hotspur was testament to the strong discipline and form Leicester have produced all season.
Liverpool meanwhile have just been too inconsistent. On their day they can defeat anyone, as evidenced by their dominant victory over Manchester City away from home earlier in the season. At their worst however, Liverpool are fair game to any team, as shown by recent defeats to Newcastle, West Ham and Watford.
With Liverpool still missing key players, it would a surprise for them to secure a win away from home against a team well in the running for a remarkable Premier League title.
Their task will be made a lot more difficult if Jamie Vardy continues to wreak havoc inside the opposition box.
Overall, Leicester simply have too much to play for to let this match slip.
Leicester to win 2-0.
AZ_RBB
Guest
I keep forgetting that Mark Schwarzer plays for these guys. Who was the last Aussie to win the EPL? Robbie Slater? Bosnich?
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Leicester not 3 points clear on top, same amount of games played as nearest rivals, away games coming up against City and the gunners - what an incredible run home to the end of the season we have in store. People keep saying Leicester can't do it, but they keep doing it - how telling these next couple of games will be.
DingoGray
Roar Guru
"JAMIE VARDY IS HAVING A PARTTTTYYYYYYY"
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Tough to watch as a Pool fan, so wasteful in the final third. Coutinho and Origi can't come back quick enough. Its time for Klopp to play the young fellas. They all played well against West Ham and deserve a start. Leicester play with so much pace, they can go all the way and hope they do now.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Then Arsenal the week after. Both early kick offs. Win those two and the title is theirs.
AZ_RBB
Guest
How about the build up to the Okazaki penalty call! Barca in disguise! 100% a pen. I think the ref was just blown away by the movement.
Ryman White
Editor
Absolute ripper goal from Vardy!
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
For the neutrals it has been a delight.
Brick Tamland of the pants party
Guest
Saw many of our resident EPL experts on here predicting the foxes demise not long ago, oh they'll collapse after christmas.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
They meet next week. To say it will be interesting is something of an understatement.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Leicester to beat Man City in the grand final.