View From: Anfield, Ulloa and Sterling

The hosts took the lead in the early December meeting at the King Power Stadium, but the Reds roared back and secured a 3-1 result through Adam Lallana, Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson goals.

Brendan Rodgers' side enter this latest festive contest on the back of two successive, confidence-building victories. Leicester, though still bottom, were winners in their most recent run-out - 1-0 at Hull City.

Howard spent four years as a player with today's opponents and continues to track their fortunes, so is well placed to offer a lowdown on what Liverpool might encounter this time and who should be considered the travellers' threats.

In our Q&A below, he also picks out the star that has most impressed him in Rodgers' squad this season and reflects on his memories of the noise and sights of a boisterous Anfield.

It has been a difficult campaign for Leicester after a bright start - what have you made of their displays so far this season?

They had a great start and have been very unfortunate not to continue with that great form. Obviously results haven't gone the way they would have liked, but if the team can get back to playing in the way they were at the start of the season then results will definitely come.

Does the infrastructure of the club and the size of the fanbase demand Premier League football and avoiding relegation?

Yes, it does, but it doesn't always work that way. There are many clubs that have the same infrastructure and an extremely strong fanbase that are in the Championship. The fans will always demand Premier League status because that's what everyone aims for. To stay in the Premier League the infrastructure and the fanbase needs to be huge, to generate revenue to ensure the club can compete against the big boys - otherwise it's a struggle at the bottom of the table.

Where are the strengths and weaknesses in this Leicester team?

Leicester are a hard-working team but sometimes aren't getting the results they deserve. The lad up front Leonardo Ulloa is a handful and most things are generated through him. The midfield is strong and hard-working, but the team needs to convert the chances they are creating.

What will Nigel Pearson have learned from the meeting between these two sides at the beginning of December - a 3-1 win for the Reds?

Having worked with him for a number of years, I'm sure Nigel will have done his homework and watched Liverpool many times, while taking into account the first meeting.

You have played at the Reds' stadium. How did you find the atmosphere and the history of the venue? Did it have any impact on your game?

Anfield is a fantastic place to play football. It has got to be one of the best stadiums, atmosphere-wise, that I have ever played at. From the minute you walk out to the final whistle, the atmosphere is incredible. As a player you relish playing in that sort of atmosphere and at a venue with such history. I loved playing there.

Which player in Brendan Rodgers' ranks has most impressed you this season?

Sterling has impressed me this season. For such a young lad, with such ability he can change the game in an instant.

Where will this contest be won and lost?

I think it will be a hard game for both teams. The midfield is vital - if you win the midfield, you win the game.

Finally, tell us what you are doing now...

I own a property company that ensures current and ex-footballers an income for life through property investments. We work with a number of current and ex-players from the Premier League to League 2, making their career last forever. I started my company - Platinum Capital Investments - as a lot of players were asking me for advice in buying property. I saw a need for education and guidance that I could give fellow players when it comes to property investing. I have been a professional footballer for 21 years and I'd like to think I know what fellow players are looking for in terms of property investment. I am there with the player all the way through their property journey, holding their hands and educating them on the whole process. I would like to think my reputation in the football world is a good one and I would like to continue my reputation into my business.