"The only real question is how many they will score" - Chris Sutton makes straightforward prediction for Liverpool vs Leicester

BBC Sport columnist Chris Sutton has backed Liverpool to thrash Leicester City in their upcoming Premier League fixture. The two sides are set to lock horns at Anfield on Thursday, December 26.

Arne Slot's men have been in top form this season and are perched at the top of the league standings with 39 points from 16 games. They currently have a four-point lead over second-placed Chelsea, which could be extended to seven should they win their game in hand.

Liverpool are coming into the clash off the back of an impressive 6-3 win over Tottenham Hotspur. Meanwhile, Leicester have been defensively poor under new boss Ruud van Nistelrooy. They suffered a 4-0 loss against Newcastle United (December 14), before losing 3-0 to Wolverhampton Wanderers over the weekend. The Foxes are in 17th place with 14 points, just two points above the relegation zone.

Sutton wrote (via BBC Sport):

"Liverpool absolutely smashed Tottenham on Sunday with a brilliant display of power, energy and attacking thrust. They were brilliant. My only criticism of their performance is that they could have been more clinical and should have reached double figures with the chances they created."

He added:

"The worry for Leicester as they head to Anfield is that they are leaking lots of chances anyway, whoever they face. They will sit in, and try to shut up shop, but it won't make any difference - they will not be able to cope with Liverpool's firepower."

"Even if Reds boss Arne Slot makes changes, they still create lots of chances and the only real question is how many they will score. I am being nice by saying Liverpool will only get four."

Sutton's Prediction: 4-0

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"We are very lucky to have him" - Cody Gakpo hails Liverpool superstar following his 'special' start to the season

Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo has waxed lyrical about Mohamed Salah after the latter's excellent start to the season under Arne Slot. The 32-year-old scored two goals and provided two assists during the Reds' 6-3 win over Tottenham over the weekend.

Salah has now scored 18 goals and provided 15 assists in 24 appearances across competitions. He has also garnered 15 goals and 11 assists in 16 league appearances, becoming the first player in Premier League history to hit double digits in both before Christmas.

Gakpo told Liverpool's official website (via Rousing the Kop):

“I don’t know what to say! It’s very special what we are all witnessing. The amount of goals he scores but the assists he gives as well, the way he plays the game, how he puts other attacking players or midfielders like myself in a position to score and to be dangerous is from a high level."

He continued:

“I hope for us and for him that he can continue doing that for a long time. We are very lucky to have him and proud that we can be his teammate and try to make him better. And he is trying to make us better as well.”

The Reds will be hoping to tie Salah down to a new deal in the coming months. The Egyptian King's current deal is set to expire at the end of the season, meaning he could potentially depart Anfield as a free agent.