Manchester City vs Leicester City: PL Match Preview and Prediction

Two-time defending champions Manchester City take on high-flying Leicester in a top of the table clash in the Premier League.

Pep Guardiola led Manchester City is having one of their worst seasons in recent memory. The Citizens have already lost four matches this season and look far away from their formidable self.

Although, they turned back the clock as they annihilated Arsenal last weekend. They were always in the cruise control mode with their talisman Kevin De Bruyne pulling the strings.

Brendan Rodgers, on the other hand, has turned Leicester into a menacing force once again. The Foxes have kept the most clean sheets and have also recorded the biggest away win in Premier League history in the process.

Leicester have more points at this stage than their 2015-16 Premier League winning season. They are playing mesmerizing football at both the fronts and have become the neutral’s favourite for the title.

Manchester City have scored the most goals in the league but have also lost four times. They sit at the third position and are fourteen points behind league leaders Liverpool.

The Foxes have conceded the least number of goals in the division. They sit at the second position, four points above City and ten points behind Liverpool.

Team News

The Citizens have been on the wrong side of the injury Gods as some of their key players have succumbed to long term injuries. Leroy Sane, Aymeric Laporte are out for a long while with leg injuries.

Along with them, English defender John Stones is also out of the clash. Whereas, star striker Sergio Aguero’s return for this match is doubtful.

Foxes, on the other hand have no injuries to worry about and all of their first choice personnel are fit and firing. Brendan Rodgers may return to his preferred 4-5-1 formation after their draw last weekend. 

Key Battles

Kevin De Bruyne vs Caglar Soyuncu

De Bruyne will start at the right side of City’s attacking front three as Riyad Mahrez and Bernardo Silva have failed to grab their opportunities.

The 28-year old is Guardiola’s lieutenant on the field and decides the rhythm at which City will play. The Belgian is back to his very best and is in tremendous form this time around.

He has already scored six goals and has recorded a league high nine assists for his teammates to score. The former Chelsea man tore Arsenal to shreds last weekend in one of the most devastating performances in recent memory and Leicester should be very scared.

Soyuncu has been the surprise package of Leicester’s defensive line. He has quite convincingly fulfilled the huge gap, which left behind by the departure of Harry Maguire in the summer.

The Turkish international is a tenacious defender and gives his all for the team’s cause. His reading of the game and passing ability would come in handy to withstand City’s high press.

Fernandinho vs Jamie Vardy

The Brazilian has filled in seamlessly in the absence of Aymeric Laporte. He was not a regular starter at the start of the season but injuries to John Stones and Laporte presented this opportunity, which he took with both hands.

His ball playing ability and long balls propel City forward. The veteran is perhaps in his last season in the Premier League and would like to leave a mark.

Vardy-party is on this season as the Englishman is on fire. He scored in eight consecutive league matches and is also the leading scorer in the division with 16 goals.

His pace on the counter and his ability to sneak past defenders could be the key for Leicester to come up with all three points. The 32-year old is at the peak of his powers and is the chief tormentor of this Leicester juggernaut.

Prediction

City have won their last three home matches against Leicester and have also won five of the last six matches against them in all competitions.

Leicester, on the other hand have won their last four away matches in the league and also boasts of the meanest defence in the division.

Manchester City return to the Etihad for the first time since losing the Manchester Derby. Whereas, Leicester’s impressive run of form was halted by Norwich City last weekend.

With such attacking firepower on display, we expect a thoroughly entertaining game with plenty of opportunities for both sides. We predict that spoils will be shared at the Etihad.

Score Prediction - Manchester City 2- 2 Leicester City