Liverpool and Leicester City face off against each other in the final of the Premier League Asia Trophy at the Hong Kong Stadium on Saturday in a game both sides will be looking to win to finish their Asian tours on a high.
Match Preview Liverpool v Leicester City
Both teams overcame Premier League opposition in their first round games with Liverpool beating Crystal Palace 2-0 thanks to goals from Dominic Solanke and Divock Origi. New signings Solanke and Mohamed Salah both starred for the Merseyside club as Jurgen Klopp’s side turned in an impressive display of their attacking prowess ahead of what promises to be an exciting season for last seasons fourth placed finishers.
Things were much tougher for Leicester City who required a penalty shoot-out to overcome West Bromwich Albion in their first round match. New signing Jay Rodriguez put West Bromwich Albion ahead early on with a fantastic strike from 30-yards, before Riyad Mahrez levelled things up for Craig Shakespeare’s side.
The Algerian ace has been linked with a move away from the Midlands club, but so far Shakespeare has resisted the overtures of Roma as he seeks to hold on to one of his star performers from their surprise Premier League triumph in 2016.
Team News
Both teams will field strong line ups in Hong Kong on Saturday and don’t be surprised to see Jurgen Klopp unleash four of his strongest attacking talents in Phillipe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Adam Lallana on Leicester City’s defence.
Sadio Mane did not travel with the rest of the squad to Asia as he continues his rehabilitation back at Melwood to ensure he is fit for the start of the new season. Leicester City will also be expected to field their strongest available XI in the game and despite the constant rumours linking Riyad Mahrez with a move away from the club, he is still expected to feature.
The Pick
Liverpool have the stronger team and have looked in good form so far this pre-season, so they would be my pick here on Saturday. Ladbrokes are offering odds of 10/11 on Liverpool to win, whilst if you fancy Leicester City for the win then you can get them at odds of 3/1 with Ladbrokes. In my opinion the best odds on offer are the 3/1 Ladbrokes are offering on Liverpool to win and BTTS. Liverpool to win & BTTS – 3/1 at Ladbrokes.