Liverpool vs. Leicester: Issues, Decisions That Will Shape Premier League Game

Liverpool welcome bottom-of-the-table Leicester City to Anfield on New Year's Day.

Both teams picked up three points in their last fixture—Nigel Pearson's side doing so for the first time in 14 games—and will be looking to pick up points to start the new year on a positive note.

A win for the visitors would likely see them move off the bottom of the table. A win for Liverpool could see them move up to sixth as they continue their recovery from a miserable start to the campaign.

This fixture ended in victory for Brendan Rodgers' side when they met a month ago, with goals from Adam Lallana, Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson cancelling out Simon Mignolet's early own goal.

That match was at the start of Liverpool's revival, with Rodgers having finally moved Gerrard into a more attacking role and bringing Lucas Leiva in to solidify the midfield.

We take a look at the key issues and decisions that will shape this Premier League encounter. 

Does Gerrard Return?

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Liverpool enjoyed their best display of the season in the comfortable 4-1 win over Swansea City at Anfield on Monday night, and they did so without captain Steven Gerrard.

The 34-year-old had started the five previous games and clearly needed resting during the festive break—the question now is whether Rodgers will extend that rest and put Gerrard on the bench for a second game?

Liverpool's midfield of Lucas Leiva and Jordan Henderson certainly looked more mobile and dynamic without the skipper.

Rodgers could then bring Gerrard back in for the FA Cup tie at AFC Wimbledon next Monday.

Leicester Momentum

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Nigel Pearson's side enjoyed their first win in 14 games against Hull City last time out, Riyad Mahrez hitting the only goal of the game.

It was a much-needed victory for the Foxes and for Pearson as a manager.

He's made the decision to move from his usual place in the stands during games to be on the touchline in recent contests, and he'll likely continue to oversee his side from there at Anfield, looking to build on that win at Hull and get some much-needed momentum. 

Will Sterling Continue Up Front?

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Raheem Sterling started his 12th game in a row in Liverpool's win over Swansea City at Anfield on Monday night.

The 20-year-old has been in impressive form, becoming a key man for Rodgers' side—giving them a new dimension in attack since moving to become the central striker in recent games.

However, he's played more for Liverpool this season than any other member of the squad. In fact, according to statistician Dan Kennett, he has played more minutes in all competitions than any other Premier League player this season:

"

@mattladson he's played more minutes in all comps than any other EPL player this season

— Dan Kennett (@DanKennett) December 29, 2014"

With Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert, Fabio Borini and Lazar Markovic all among Rodgers' subs against Swansea, will he rest Sterling and play one of those other attackers instead? 

Rotation Decisions

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With the fixtures over the festive break taking a toll on all sides, a key part of any Premier League game at this time of the year is how much the respective manager rotates his squad, and how well the players cope with the games in quick succession.

Fitness will certainly be key for both sides.

Leicester will have to travel for this, having played away in their last game too. Meanwhile, Liverpool will have had a day less to rest. 

Martin Skrtel's Replacement

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Liverpool centre-back Martin Skrtel picked up his fifth booking of the season for a ridiculous challenge on Wayne Routledge last time out, meaning he will miss the Leicester match through suspension.

The Reds have moved to three at the back in recent games, with Skrtel as the central one of the three.

Emre Can and Mamadou Sakho lined up either side of the Slovakian against Swansea, but Rodgers could replace Skrtel with Dejan Lovren if he's back and fit.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Rodgers didn't give a definite answer on Lovren's fitness, as per This Is Anfield.

If Lovren isn't fit, Rodgers could switch to a flat back four, bring Kolo Toure back into the side or even move Gerrard into a deeper role as a sweeper—something the manager has hinted at previously, as per BBC Sport.