Cody Gakpo says Liverpool don't need any extra motivation to beat Leicester City as they look to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League.
The Reds extended their unbeaten run to 21 games in all competitions with their stunning 6-3 thrashing of Tottenham last Sunday, returning to winning ways after their draw against Fulham a week earlier.
Liverpool are four points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand, and Gakpo admitted the players are enjoying the unforgiving nature of the fixture list, with so much to play for.
“I don't think anyone can wait for it,” Gakpo said. “We're eager to get back out there and win the game. That's our goal.
“No extra motivation is needed. We know what our goals are in each competition this season and that means winning the games.
“I like the rhythm, match after match after match. And now that we are in a good moment, it is of course more fun. Every footballer dreams of playing as many matches as possible.”
Next up, the Reds return to Anfield to take on the Foxes #LIVLEI pic.twitter.com/LBNRYeMTYV
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 24, 2024
Ruud van Nistelrooy won his first two games in charge of Leicester but has now lost the previous two after suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat to Wolves last time out.
It leaves them just two points above the relegation zone, and they could be without striker Jamie Vardy, who has scored six Premier League goals this season due to a knock.
However, the Dutchman does not shy away from the tough job that awaits him.
“The team is good [after the Wolves defeat]they are doing well. We know the position we are in,” he said.
“The results of the four games are positive. The last two are losses, but we are looking at the bigger picture and looking ahead.
“We know it will be a long season where we will fight until the end to show that we deserve to play in this competition.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Liverpool-Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah has scored 99 goals in 141 home games in the Premier League (two for Chelsea, 97 for Liverpool). If he scores, he will become the eighth player to score 100+ on home soil in the league, and the fourth fastest, after Alan Shearer (91 apps), Thierry Henry (113) and Sergio Aguero (125).
No current Premier League player was involved in more goals (six) or provided more assists (four) than him on Boxing Day.
Leicester City – Jamie Vardy
Vardy scored eight Premier League goals against Liverpool, with only Andrew Cole (eleven) and Harry Kane (nine) scoring more against the Reds in the competition.
At 37 years and 350 days, Vardy would also be the oldest player to score a Premier League goal against Liverpool with a goal in this match if he is fit enough to play.
Christmas Eve training pic.twitter.com/SH6UrFu0Pb
— Leicester City (@LCFC) December 24, 2024
MATCH PREDICTION: LIVERPOOL WIN
Liverpool are unbeaten in their last twelve Premier League home games against Leicester (W10 D2), since losing three in a row between 1997 and 2000.
Leicester, meanwhile, have won just two of their last twelve Premier League games against Liverpool (D1 L9). They have had three consecutive defeats in this run (including one current one), but have not lost four consecutive league games against the Reds since 1987 and 1996.
The Reds are unbeaten in their last 21 matches in all competitions (W18 D3). It is their longest streak without defeat since a streak of 25 between April and November 2021, and their longest in a single season since a streak of 24 between January and May 1989.
And they have won their last seven league games on Boxing Day, the longest streak of any side in England's top four, and the longest ever by the Reds.
They have fared much better than Leicester, who have won just one of their last ten league games on Boxing Day (D2 L7), and that came in 2018/19 against eventual champions Manchester City.
OPTA CHANCE OF WINNING
Liverpool – 82.6%
Draw – 10.6%
Leicester City – 6.8%
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