Good afternoon! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for the New Year's Day Premier League clash between Liverpool and Leicester City at Anfield. Both teams have struggled over the first half of the campaign but ended 2014 on a high, so they will be looking to continue that momentum into the new year today. Let's start with a look at the hosts...

It is fair to say that 2014 was an up-and-down one for Liverpool. Last season was an incredible campaign for the Reds, even if they did ultimately miss out on the Premier League title, but they have fallen far short of the high standards they set themselves so far this time around. It was in the second half of last season that they really kicked on, however, so Rodgers will be hoping for a similar scenario this time around.

There are certainly signs of improvement for Liverpool, who ended 2014 on a high with consecutive victories to lift them up to eighth in the Premier League table. They remain a whopping 18 points off the leaders, and the expected title challenge was dead in the water some time ago, but they have moved within five points of the top four and, with Sturridge nearing his return, will be confident of further improvement over the coming months.

The most recent of those consecutive victories came on Monday night, when Liverpool produced their best home performance of the season to dispatch Swansea 4-1. There was a great deal of luck involved in two of Liverpool's goals but, in truth, the three-goal winning margin did not flatter them at all. They created a lot of chances and were rampant at times, finally looking like the team that was so impressive in the last campaign.

That was, incidentally, the first time that Liverpool had scored four goals in a game since March, and the injury to Sturridge coupled with the departure of Suarez has certainly hit the Reds in the goals department. They have only managed 26 this season, substantially fewer than at the same stage last season. In terms of points, they are eight worse off than at the same stage of last season, although they did begin 2014 outside the top four despite spending Christmas Day 2013 top of the table.

They come into this match unbeaten in their last four outings, with three wins in that time. Indeed, for all of their disappointments this season, Liverpool have only lost one of their last 10 games. That run does include the draw against Basel that saw them eliminated from the Champions League, however, while the defeat was a damaging 3-0 on to fierce rivals Manchester United.

Liverpool are aiming to win three consecutive matches for the first time this season this afternoon, and if they can begin to find a bit of consistency then the confidence should return for the Merseysiders. They have Sunderland and Aston Villa as their next two in the league and, while the latter in particular has been something of a bogey team for them in recent years, Liverpool will be eyeing maximum points from this run.

Crucially, they have begun to improve their home form, which was central to their superb run of form last season. They struggled at Anfield earlier in the campaign, with Aston Villa among the teams to beat them here, but they are now without defeat in their last five at Anfield . Performances have not exactly been great throughout that run, but their last two displays at home - against Arsenal and Swansea, have been decent ones.

For all Liverpool's troubles, you can be sure that Leicester would trade places with today's opponents in a heartbeat. The Foxes have really struggled this season despite making a bright start to the campaign, and already they face an uphill battle to avoid the drop. Victory today could be exactly the catalyst they need to spark a great escape, though.

They are attempting to do something only two teams have ever done in the Premier League era now having spent Christmas bottom of the table. Just West Brom and Sunderland have stayed up from that position, although Leicester will feel a lot better about their chances now than they might have done on Boxing Day having finally ended their dreadful run of form.

Even though the 5-3 victory over Manchester United was always likely to be an anomaly of a result, Nigel Pearson could not have foreseen such a drop in form from his side from then on. Before the victory over Hull last time out, the Foxes had gone 13 matches without a win and picked up a measly two points from the 39 available during that time. A run of six straight defeats came at the end of that streak, and it was vital for the Foxes to end it.

And end it they did. The victory over Hull could be huge for their season, and it was a fairly unexpected result too. Hull were coming off the back of a win themselves and should have been confident at home against the league's bottom side having ended their own winless streak. However, Leicester pulled off a surprise to win 1-0 courtesy of Riyad Mahrez's strike, although they were forced to ride their luck at times. Hull had new fewer than 19 shots on target, so they certainly had the chances to grab an equaliser.

Leicester have problems at both ends of the field that Pearson may have to address in January, but the priority if probably defensively. Only QPR have conceded more goals than Leicester this season, with the Foxes having let in 31 in their 19 outings. They have only managed 17 goals too, with the likes of Leonardo Ulloa going off the boil following his bright start.

Away form is also a concern, despite their victory over Hull at the KC Stadium last time out. That was only their second win on the road this season, with all of their other away games ending in defeat. Only QPR, who are yet to pick up a point away from home, have a worse record on their travels than Leicester, although their other victory was a good one against Stoke at the Britannia.

They are now bidding to win back-to-back away matches in the Premier League for the first time in more than a decade, last managing it in November 2003. It will not be an easy task, however, and Nigel Pearson may not be expecting much against a resurgent Liverpool side at Anfield. His side should be more confident given that win over Hull, but it will take a return to their early-season form to get anything from this game.

TEAM NEWS: The teams are in for both sides, and the headline news as far as Liverpool are concerned is that captain Steven Gerrard returns to the starting XI having been rested against Swansea. Kolo Toure also comes into the side due to a suspension for Skrtel in the only other change, while there is no place in the squad for Mario Balotelli. Leicester, meanwhile, make four changes to their side, with De Laet, Drinkwater, James and Vardy coming in. Full teams coming right up...

LIVERPOOL STARTING XI: Mignolet; Can, Toure, Sakho, Moreno, Gerrard, Lucas, Henderson, Coutinho, Lallana, Sterling

LIVERPOOL SUBS: Ward, Lovren, Lambert, Manquillo, Borini, Markovic, Ojo

LEICESTER STARTING XI: Hamer; De Laet, Wasilewski, Morgan, Simpson; Drinkwater, Hammond, James, Schlupp, Mahrez; Vardy

LEICESTER SUBS: Smith, Lawrence, Moore, Cambiasso, Ulloa, Knockaert, Nugent

What can we make of those two teams, then? Well, it is no surprise to see Rodgers limit the changes he has to make following such an impressive performance against Swansea last time out, a match that saw Mignolet return to the starting lineup due to an injury to Jones. He continues in goal today, although his time at the club could be coming to an end with Rodgers understood to be in the market for a new goalkeeper this month.

In front of Mignolet, Liverpool are once again expected to operate with a back three, although Skrtel is unavailable due to suspension. Toure comes into the side for him, while Lovren is on the bench following injury. Can joins Toure and Sakho at the back having impressed in the unfamiliar role against Swansea last time out.

If Rodgers does indeed stick with that formation, it will be interesting to see who plays in the wing-back roles. Henderson is the most likely candidate on the opposite flank to Moreno, but he performed much better in his normal midfield role last time out. It is unlikely that Gerrard or Lucas will fill in there, however, with the former returning to the starting lineup having sat out the win over Swansea.

Once again there is no recognised striker for Liverpool, with Sterling expected to play centrally as he has been doing for the last few weers. Lallana had his best game in a Liverpool shirt against Swansea and scored two goals, albeit one rather fortuitously, while Coutinho was also very impressive in that game, If those two, coupled with Sterling, are on song again today then Leicester will find it very difficult to deal with.

Ben Hamer will certainly not be expecting Liverpool's attack to be as wasteful as Hull's in their last outing. The goalkeeper is enjoying a good run in the team at the moment due to the injury to Schmeichel, but you feel he still needs to do more if he is maintain his place once the first choice returns. He is likely to be busy today, so he should have plenty of chances to impress.

Interestingly, there is no place for Cambiasso in the Leicester starting lineup today, with the veteran Argentine left on the bench. Pearson may well have decided to rest him, much like Rodgers did with Gerrard against Swansea. It is also possible that Pearson does not fancy his side's chances of getting three points in this one, so is happy to rest his key players in the hope of them being fresh for more realistic matches.

The same applies for Ulloa, who is left on the bench alongside Cambiasso. Vardy is his replacement in the side, with the striker returning from suspension this afternoon. Riyad Mahrez will also be a goal threat, with the tricky winger getting the winner against Hull last time out. With Liverpool's wing-backs likely to bomb forward, he may well fancy his chances of doing some damage today.

PREDICTION: We're 10 minutes from kickoff at Anfield, which means that it is time for a prediction! Both sides come into this one off the back of victories, but Liverpool's was a lot more convincing than that of Leicester. I can't see past a home win this afternoon, and it could be fairly comfortable too. I'm going for 4-1 to Liverpool.

These two sides met as recently as December 2, and it was Liverpool who triumphed at the King Power Stadium. Lallana, Gerrard and Henderson were all on the scoring sheet in a 3-1 victory for Liverpool while Simon Mignolet was unfortunate to score an own goal as Leicester's reply. Having won relatively comfortably away from home in this fixture, anything less than three points today would be a disappointment.

It is a long time since Leicester last managed a victory over Liverpool, with Ade Akinbiyi and Muzzy Izzet scoring in a 2-0 victory at Filbert Street all the way back in May 2001. There have been five meetings between the two sides since then, with Liverpool winning four and drawing one of those. The last time they met at Anfield, Michael Owen and Emile Heskey scored the hosts in a 2-1 win, with Marcus Bent getting the reply.

Leicester also have a dreadful record on New Year's Day having not won a game on this date since a 1-0 victory over Stoke in 1966. They are winless in their last eight, including five defeats in a row going into this match, while their one and only away New Year's Day win came all the way back in 1938.

There are a number of other Premier League matches taking place today, and we have them all covered here on Sports Mole. I will also be keeping you up to date with major events from around the country as and when they happen.

KICKOFF: Leicester get us back underway as these two sides look to get 2015 off to a good start. Can they pull off a shock, or will Liverpool make it three wins on the bounce?

OFF THE POST! Almost a perfect start to the match for Leicester! Mahrez wins a free kick in a decent position and takes it himself, looking to capitalise on Mignolet leaving his front post wide open. Mahrez curls an effort in, but it strikes the post and Liverpool survive.

SHOT! Liverpool respond with an effort of their own, with Leicester gifting the hosts the ball inside their own half. Coutinho eventually picks it up, but his strike from outside the box is high and wide.

Leicester have made a really bright start to this match, keeping the hosts penned in in the opening exchanges. There is an early injury concern for Toure, who looks to have damaged his leg following an aerial battle with Schlupp. He may not be able to continue here.

Toure received a fair amount of treatment on the field, but it looks as though he will be alright to continue. He trots back into the field and is moving quite freely right now. That is a relief for Liverpool, who are already without Skrtel today.

Liverpool have the ball in the back of the net, but it is ruled out courtesy of the linesman's flag. It was Coutinho who played it over for Henderson, with the midfielder knocking it across from Sterling to tap home. However, Henderson had gone just too early and the linesman made the right decision.

Another threat for Liverpool as Coutinho wins possession in midfield before sliding a pass through for Sterling. However, Hamer is alert and quick off his line to make the interception.

CHANCE! Huge chance for Leicester to take the lead! Schlupp does well on the left as he rolls Can and races into a crossing position. His pull-back is good too, but Mahrez can't keep his shot down when he really should have scored. That was a great chance.

UPDATE: The first goal of the 3pm kickoffs has gone in at Upton Park, with West Ham drawing first blood against West Brom. Diafra Sakho got the goal for the Hammers, who are looking to sustain their top-four bid over the second half of the season.

SHOT! Another decent sight of goal for the visitors as Wasilewski wins the first ball from a free kick, knocking his header down for Schlupp. The winger takes it down well, but his subsequent shot is deflected wide.

Liverpool break the deadlock at Anfield, but they benefit from a poor refereeing decision to do so. Mike Jones awarded the spot kick for a handball against Morgan, but the replays show that the Leicester skipper actually blocked the ball with his head. It is the wrong call by Jones, but Gerrard takes full advantage with an inch-perfect penalty into the corner.

What have Leicester got in reply, then? They have been impressive in this opening 20 minutes or so and have arguably been the better side so far, but they need to keep their heads up having fallen behind against the run of play.

SHOT! It has been a decent response from Leicester so far. They come forward again through Schlupp down the left channel, but he tries a shot from a difficult angle and only succeeds in sending his effort into the Kop.

YELLOW CARD! Mahrez causes more problems with his direct running, which forces Lucas to slide in from behind a trip the winger. He is booked as a result, while Leicester now have a free kick in a good position.

CLOSE! It is Mahrez who goes for goal again from the free kick, and this time his effort deflects off the wall and flies narrowly over the top.

Liverpool break quickly from the resulting corner, with Coutinho holding the ball up before threading a pass through for Moreno. The wing-back cuts inside before going for goal with his weaker right foot, but the effort is deflected for a goal kick.

Nigel Pearson has spoken about the performances of his side during their recent poor form, and once again they have put in a decent display so far. The visitors should be happy with how things have gone so far, despite being behind.

SHOT! Half a chance for Lallana as he tries to divert a powerful cross in at the near post. The delivery arrived at great speed, which made it difficult for the midfielder.

UPDATE: There have been three goals already at St James' Park, where Newcastle lead Burnley 2-1. Steven Taylor and Jack Colback got the goals for the hosts, while Paul Dummett turned the ball into his own net for Burnley's reply. Elsewhere, Leroy Fer has given QPR the lead against Swansea.

CLOSE! Almost a second for Liverpool! Moreno is the creator as he comes down the left and plays a square ball to Lallana, who collects it on the edge of the area. He eventually manages to dig a shot out, sending the ball narrowly past the far post.

Leicester have done a good job of keeping Sterling quiet in this one so far, but they are struggling to contain Lallana and Coutinho too. Those latter two were the standout performers against Swansea, and they are having a big influence in this game too.

UPDATE: Liverpool will have one eye on events at St Mary's today, with two top-four rivals facing off. Southampton have taken the lead against Arsenal in that one, with Sadio Mane getting the goal.

LEICESTER SUB: The visitors are forced into an early change here as David Nugent replaces Drinkwater, who appears to have picked up an injury.

SHOT! Straight after the sub, Liverpool almost get a second as Gerrard's free kick very nearly falls for Toure. Leicester break quickly but that comes to nothing, and Liverpool get back up to the other end and threaten once again. This time it is Sterling who comes closes as he beats his man on the edge of the box before scuffing a shot into the side-netting.

A second penalty for Liverpool, but the same outcome. It is good work from Coutinho to win the penalty as he advances into the box. The ball bounces up and strikes Simpson on the arm, and Mike Jones does not hesitate in pointing to the spot. Gerrard steps up and does the business once again, going to the opposite corner this time to double his side's lead.

It is hard to see a way back for Leicester now, it must be said. They have not played badly in this match, but to come from two goals down against Liverpool at Anfield is a tough ask for any side, yet alone a team bottom of the table.

UPDATE: It is not all good news for the Merseyside clubs - Everton are now 2-0 down to Hull at the KC Stadium, with Elmohamady and Rosenior getting on the scoresheet. Elsewhere, Saido Berahino has levelled things up for West Brom against West Ham.

There will be a minimum of three minutes added time at the end of the first half.

SHOT! Almost a stunning third for Liverpool to end the half! Gerrard opts to play a corner straight to Henderson on the edge of the box, picking out his fellow midfielder for the volley. Henderson gets a great connection on his effort, but his shot ends up a few yards wide of the target.

The referee brings an end to the first half, and it is Liverpool who go into the break in control of proceedings here at Anfield. They lead by two goals against Leicester having been awarded a pair of penalties in that opening 45 minutes, although the Foxes have held their own for the vast majority of the game so far. The next goal is crucial for the visitors.

The opening goal of the game was a very dubious one as the ball hit Wes Morgan on the face when he was sliding in to stop a cross. However, the referee adjudged it to have hit his hand and pointed to the spot. Gerrard was the man who stepped up and, although Hamer guessed the right way, it was a perfectly-placed penalty right into the corner.

The second was also a little controversial, although it is clear to see why Mike Jones pointed to the spot then. After some good build-up play from Coutinho, the ball popped up and hit the arm of Simpson. It did come at the defender quickly, but it was probably the right decision to award the penalty. Gerrard stepped up once again and went the other way this time to double his side's lead.

It could have all been different had Leicester opened the scoring inside the first couple of minutes, but Mahrez's effort struck the post. It was clever play from the winger as he tried to sneak a free kick in at the front post, but Mignolet's positioning was very suspect. The keeper got away with it, however, as the woodwork came to his rescue.

Leicester have had a couple of other decent sights of goal too, most notably with the scores still goalless when Mahrez fired an effort off target when he should have scored. Schlupp created the opening with some good work down the left flank before pulling it back for Mahrez, but the winger blazed his effort over the top.

KICKOFF: Liverpool get us back underway here at Anfield and they immediately launch an attack. Sterling gets on the front foot and eventually works the ball out wide left for Moreno, who fires an effort over the top.

SHOT! Leicester also look to make a quick start to the second half, but James also struggled to keep his effort down. The midfielder had space to shoot from around 20 yards out, but his strike sailed over the top.

Liverpool made a very fast start to this half, but Leicester have responded well and are applying some pressure of their own right now. If they can get the next goal then they will fancy their chances of getting something out of this one.

Scrappy period of the game as both sides struggled to keep the ball for any sustained period of time. Leicester are more than holding their own here, though.

Superb defending from Sakho, who makes a vital challenge on Vardy inside the box. The striker got the better of Toure initially, but Sakho came across to make the tackle.

A worry for Liverpool here as Lallana goes down and receives treatment on the field. He is able to walk off, although he may still be taken off anyway.

LIVERPOOL SUB: Indeed, Rodgers is taking no risks here and withdraws Lallana, with Fabio Borini replacing him.

CHANCE! Liverpool yet again struggle to deal with a corner into the middle, with Nugent left all alone in a great position inside the box. However, the sub gets nowhere near enough on his effort and glances it wide.

No mistake this time from Nugent as he gets his side right back into this match. It is fabulous link-up play from the visitors as the ball is played in to Vardy, who knocks it down for Nugent. There is still a lot to do, but Nugent brilliantly volleys it into the corner.

What a turnaround for Leicester! They get a second goal in as many minutes, and again it is a good strike that beats Mignolet. Schlupp collected the ball around 20 yards from goal before firing a low effort into the corner. Mignolet was a little slow to react there, although he saw it late.

This is the type of fighting spirit and desire that Leicester will need to show if they are to stay up this season. If they can hang on to this point then it would be a major boost for Pearson's side as they won;t have been expecting much for this game.

Liverpool, meanwhile, need to find a response of their own now. If they are to make the top four this season then wins at home against the league's bottom club are a must - particularly with a two-goal lead,

SAVE! The hosts enjoy a good spell of possession as they look to regain their advantage here, but at the end of the move Lucas drills an effort goalwards that Hamer saves.

LEICESTER SUB: The visitors make a second change as Esteban Cambiasso replaces Hammond for the final 23 minutes.

CLOSE! Again Mahrez threatens from a free kick, but this time Mignolet doesn't look too worried about it. The winger got it up and over the wall, but the ball flew narrowly past the post.

Liverpool have settled again following those two quick goals. They are controlling the ball right now and appear to have an element of control over proceedings, although Leicester always look capable of creating something.

LIVERPOOL SUB: An attacking change from the hosts as Lazar Markovic comes on for Lucas for the final 20 minutes or so.

Leicester break quickly down the left through Schlupp, who keeps the ball in play before passing it inside for Nugent. The striker lines up his shot and goes for goal from the edge of the box, but Sakho makes a very good block.

CHANCE! Big chance for Liverpool to regain the lead! Sterling leads an attack down the left channel before finding Borini in the middle, but the striker leans back and puts his over the top.

LEICESTER SUB: A third and final change for the visitors as Leonardo Ulloa replaces Vardy.

CHANCE! Another big chance for Liverpool, and once again it falls to Borini. It came down the right flank this time, with Coutinho releasing Henderson. The latter puts a cross into the middle, but Borini's goalbound effort hits Markovic right in front of goal.

SAVE! Coutinho looks to make something happen for the hosts, but he fires an effort straight at Hamer. It was good play from the Brazilian in the build-up as he twisted and turned his way into shooting space, but in the end it was comfortable for the keeper.

Leicester have less than 10 minutes to hold out here for what would be a superb point for them. It is Liverpool who are asking more of the questions right now, but Pearson may even be tempted to try to win this game now.

Sterling looks to get in behind the defence with his pace, but he is forced to check back on himself to work space. He eventually gets room to shoot, but the keeper is there again.

CHANCE! Almost a freak goal for Leicester to take the lead! Mahrez's corner is inswinging and almost catches Mignolet out, but the keeper just about recovers to parry it away. The ball falls to Wasilewski, but his effort is blocked, while Mahrez then fires an effort wide.

LIVERPOOL SUB: A third change for Liverpool, and it is another attacking one as Rickie Lambert replaces Moreno.

CHANCE! Quick break from Liverpool as they counter after a Leicester corner. Sakho leads the charge before playing a ball through for Henderson, but the midfielder can't beat the keeper from a tight angle.

PENALTY SHOUT! Liverpool have already had two penalties today, and they almost have another! Lambert flicks the ball on to Borini in the box, and the striker goes down under the challenge of Morgan. The hosts want a third spot kick, but Mike Jones says no. I've certainly seen them given!

CHANCE! Huge chance for Liverpool to get a late winner! The referee allows the game to flow by playing advantage, and the hosts very nearly make it count. Sterling comes down the left and puts the cross in for Markovic, who nods wide when he should have done better.

YELLOW CARD! Gerrard goes into the book for a foul on Sclhupp, while also giving away a free kick in a very damaging position.

We are into the second of four minutes added time at the end of this match.

Brilliant build-up play from Liverpool as they look for a late way through. They look like they may get it as the ball is stood up for Lambert in the middle, but Cambiasso does really well to get there first and nod it behind for a corner.

Mike Jones brings an end to an eventful 90 minutes at Anfield as Liverpool let a two-goal slip against Leicester to draw 2-2. The hosts appeared to be cruising towards the points, but a couple of goals in as many minutes saved Leicester, who pick up a huge point in their battle against the drop.

The hosts went in at half time with a two-goal lead courtesy of a Steven Gerrard brace from the spot, although one of the penalty decisions was very dubious to say the least. The Foxes hit back after the break, however, with David Nugent and Jeffrey Schlupp getting their goals.

That is all we have time for today! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for this New Year's Day action as Liverpool are held to a 2-2 draw by Leicester City at Anfield. I will leave you with our match report, and be sure to stick around for reaction, news and analysis. From me, though, it is goodbye for now!