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Premier League prediction: Will Jamie Vardy have another Reds-inspired party?

LONDON — Odds have been slashed on Jurgen Klopp leaving Anfield before the start of next season, and while I’m an unashamed member of the media love-in that helps him get an easy ride, I can see why punters would be tempted.

Jamie Vardy celebrates scoring the first goal for Leicester City to equal the record for scoring in consecutive Premier League games. Photo: Action Images via Reuters

Jamie Vardy celebrates scoring the first goal for Leicester City to equal the record for scoring in consecutive Premier League games. Photo: Action Images via Reuters

LONDON — Odds have been slashed on Jurgen Klopp leaving Anfield before the start of next season, and while I’m an unashamed member of the media love-in that helps him get an easy ride, I can see why punters would be tempted.

If you strip away the German’s charisma and the likeable humility, and don’t allow yourself to be carried away by those ‘hot streaks’ that are now synonymous with his Liverpool reign, Klopp is a manager that’s never really come close to answering the same old question marks that plagued his predecessor Brendan Rodgers.

What has he done to improve their defending?

Has he built a squad that’s rounded enough to challenge?

What is his tactical plan B?

Does he learn from previous mistakes or brush them under the carpet?

Right now I can’t give too many positive responses, and should his faltering team lose to Leicester City for the second time this week after their 0-2 loss to the Foxes in the Carabao Cup in the early hours of Wednesday (Sept 20), plenty of Reds fans will be vocally suspicious of his long-term credentials too.

I’m hearing more and more murmurs of discontent.

Craig Shakespeare’s Foxes are a consistent irritant to Liverpool at the King Power Stadium too, so this game is a biggie.

Klopp’s men have dominated possession on each of their last three visits to the atmospheric home of the 2015-16 champions, only to trudge off disconsolately as losers every time.

They don’t take their chances, and get caught on the break. Rewind, repeat. Rewind, repeat.

Their nemesis is Jamie Vardy.

Always lithe and lively in this fixture, the England man has netted a brace in the last two Premier League home games against the Reds, scoring in between at Anfield to make it five in three.

He’s begun this term looking almost as sharp as he did en route to the title, and with Shinji Okazaki full of beans at the same time, Liverpool’s rocky defence will have their hands full.

Klopp must come up with a plan to negate the speedy striker, but will he put more focus into the attacking strategy, as is his way?

I’ll be fascinated to see if the Reds boss asks his rearguard to defend deeper, or if he instructs the players to leave themselves less exposed to Leicester’s characteristic counters.

To combat Vardy and the players around him, I do feel you need to adapt, and apply the handbrake on occasion. It surprises me every time a coach chooses not to.

Philippe Coutinho’s return is, however, something to get excited about.

The Brazilian – who begged for a move to Barcelona just weeks ago - is now shamelessly telling anyone who’ll listen that his heart is still with Liverpool. If he knuckles down and shows he means it, there will be magical moments around the corner for the Scouse fans to enjoy.

On his day, at his best, Coutinho is as fun to watch as anyone in the Premier League. He’s a heck of a player.

But I don’t see today ending well for the South American, or his under-pressure boss.

Leicester know what needs to be done to swot Liverpool aside at the King Power. I see them ruling this contest again.

Prediction: Leicester City 2 Liverpool 1

LIVE on TV: Leicester City v Liverpool, Sunday (Sept 24); Singtel Ch102 and StarHub Ch227; 12.30am

About the author: Adrian Clarke is a former Arsenal midfielder who has played at every level of the English game. Now an experienced sports journalist, he writes for TODAY as well as several top football websites. Follow him on Twitter @adrianjclarke

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