Manchester City have nothing left to aim for this season except a third-place finish, which could be counted as Guardiola’s only success in his first season of the Premier League. And the only big obstacle left in achieving that is Leicester City. The Foxes have been a thorn to City’s league campaign for the past two seasons and City will have to make sure they don’t ruin it again on Sunday.
Team News
Manchester City- Pep Guardiola has little injury issues to take care of. There will be striker Sergio Aguero and centre-half John Stones returning for the game after going through late fitness tests. However, it is unlikely to be a big concern for the manager, who is expected to go with Jesus up front and Kompany at the back.
Though the Brazilian youngster is nowhere near to perform as Aguero has done for City over the past few years, his work rate helps Guardiola’s side to maintain the pressure high up the field, which suits his philosophy. Apart from them, the long-term absentees Ilkay Gundogan and Claudio Bravo remain the same.
Leicester City- Craig Shakespeare will be missing two important players for the game against Manchester City. The manager has confirmed that while Morgan still continues to miss out with his hamstring problem, Drinkwater was the latest addition to that list. The English midfielder has picked up a thigh injury in Leicester’s thumping win over Watford. It is likely to keep him out for the next three games, which pretty much sums up the season.
Robert Huth couldn’t train with a foot injury and is a doubt for the game although we expect him to recover for the game. Apart from that, the injury list remains same with Nampalys Mendy and Molla Wague out for the season.
Predicted Line-ups
Manchester City- Caballero; Fernandinho, Kompany, Otamendi, Clichy; Toure; De Bruyne, Silva, Sane, Sterling; Jesus
Leicester City- Schmeichel; Simpson, Benalouane, Huth, Fuchs; Amartey, Ndidi, Albrighton, Mahrez; Vardy, Okazaki
Key Players
Manchester City- After David Silva’s silky display last game, a lot will obviously be expected from him. The Spaniard was outlandish against Crystal Palace with exquisite passing and perfect finishing, which helped City to have an edge from the second minute itself. Guardiola would expect similar performance from Silva. Apart from him, playmaker Kevin De Bruyne will be another man to watch out for.
Leicester City- Jamie Vardy has improved phenomenally under Shakespeare and Leicester’s revived form is largely due to him regaining his scoring touch. He would expect yet another good game against City. Mahrez is another Leicester star, who has enjoyed scoring against City of late, and Shakespeare will expect the duo to start firing early.
Betting Odds
Manchester City @ 2/7
Draw @ 11/2
Leicester City @ 10/1
