Leicester City love to surprise everyone, don’t they? They shocked the world by winning the Premier League title defying all kind of odds last season and their form this season has been a surprise as well. If the Foxes cannot find their way back from the terrible run of form they are in this campaign, soon we might see them in the relegation zone.
Ranieri’s side are now 16th but not at all safe. They are just two points above the 18th and 19th-placed sides Sunderland and Hull City and for now, the 40-point mark is all Ranieri will be looking at.
The Foxes will take on a strong Manchester City side on Saturday at King Power Stadium who themselves are struggling to find their best form under Pep Guardiola. On top of that, they will have key players like Aguero and Fernandinho missing through suspension. This is the Foxes’ best chance to bounce back to winning ways.
Leicester missed their chance to stay unbeaten in their Champions League group stage campaign in the midweek and it was a humiliating defeat at the hands of Porto.
Claudio Ranieri must show his stewardship and experience to help the Foxes fight back and regain their lost reputation. Here is the predicted Leicester City lineup vs Manchester City.
Defence
Kasper Schmeichel is missing through injury which means Ron-Robert Zieler will continue under the bar. Danny Simpson will start in the right-back position. Robert Huth will pair up with skipper Wes Morgan at the heart of Leicester City defence. Christian Fuchs will start at left-back. The Foxes have been poor defensively this campaign and must pick up their game.
Midfield
Nampalys Mendy is finally back from injury and is likely to start in the middle of the park. With Danny Drinkwater suspended and Daniel Amartey struggling to impress, it will Andy King who will start alongside Mendy in the middle of the park.
Riyad Mahrez, despite his poor form, remains an undisputed starter and will play on the right flank. Ahmed Musa is expected to start on the left flank.
Marc Albrighton would also be a solid contestant for a start on the left due to his better defensive work rate but we expect Ranieri to go for Musa who offers a bigger threat while making the forward forays.
Attack
Jamie Vardy must pick up his game really soon to prove that he was not a one season wonder. The English international is likely to start up front alongside Leicester’s only quality performer this season, Islam Slimani.
