The magnificent Manchester City are closing in on successive Premier League triumphs overcoming the hurdles one after another to stay one point clear of Liverpool. They need two more wins to seal yet another silverware and are already gearing up for Monday night’s Etihad tie against Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester City.
The Foxes have been in flying form of late since the Irishman’s appointment and are back in the hunt for a place in Europe. They defeated the Citizens in the reverse fixture. However, the battle will be uphill this term considering City’s ruthless run of form since January. Liverpool would hope for a favour from their ex-chief, but what should motivate Rodgers is qualifying for Europa.
Manchester City Team News vs Leicester City:
Pep Guardiola has a couple of injury concerns in Kevin De Bruyne and Fernandinho with respective thigh and knee problems. They are working their socks off to return on the pitch and will undergo late fitness tests prior to the Leicester tie. Claudio Bravo continues to be sidelined as the custodian is still recovering from his calf strain.
Manchester City Formation vs Leicester City:
Guardiola has preferred a 4-3-3 all season which suits his style of football. The Spaniard is tipped to retain the same and unlikely to experiment in such a tensed period of their breathtaking campaign.
Defence
Ederson in goal was enjoying great run of form and grabbed a place in the PFA Team of the Season ahead of his compatriot Alisson Becker. The Brazilian has kept three successive clean sheets against Spurs, Manchester United and Burnley and must be desperate to stretch it to four against Leicester City.
The star-studded Citizens have stupendous squad depth, and it is extremely difficult at times to predict their starting XI. Kyle Walker is expected to operate from his usual right-back role while John Stones might be recalled in action from the beginning to partner Aymeric Laporte replacing skipper Vincent Kompany in the heart of the City backline. Oleksandr Zinchenko is likely to be deployed down the left despite Benjamin Mendy’s availability.
Midfield
Pep would be hoping for Fernandinho’s return in the deep-lying role to hold the shape, marshall the backline and build the moves up from behind. Ilkay Gundogan should start otherwise alongside David Silva and Bernandro Silva in the middle of the park. Bernardo Silva, in particular, has been a revelation this season as his work ethics, energy and tireless efforts helped the champions grind out results in close contests.
Attack
Sergio Aguero is chasing Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah in the golden boot race. The Argentine would look to add more to his tally whereas Raheem Sterling must be determined to continue his blistering form with goals as well as assists. Leroy Sane has mostly been introduced off the bench but should be handed a start on the left wing similar to their Burnley fixture.
