Manchester City will have the chance to leapfrog Liverpool when they host a jubilant Leicester City. Manchester City have picked the form in the right time and are expected to come strong in this match. Pep Guardiola’s side convincingly thrashed Crystal Palace 5-0 in the last match and have already sent a signal to their rival Foxes.
The defending Premier League champions Leicester City have not managed to show the same kind of mentality but after few initial hiccups, they are somehow close to achieving their last year’s form.
Pep has been criticised for his strategy a number of times but under the guidance of him, City has become a potentially lethal strike force in Europe. The likes of David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus have collectively put an enormous effort to put the kind of stature which the club is currently in.
Three key battles which could decide the outcome when the two teams face each other-
Jamie Vardy vs Vincent Kompany
Vardy had a shambolic start to this season in what could have been a bit different as Leicester had hoped to successfully defend their Premier League title or at least give the title a chase. But the Foxes have faltered in a bigger way and for that Vardy needs to take the responsibility. The English international once had a run of 10 games without scoring earlier in this season but somehow he has managed to be a late bloomer in terms of scoring goals.
Since Vincent Kompany has returned, City defence is beginning to show some solidity. The 31-year-old is still regarded as one of the best Premier League defenders but will have a tricky test as Vardy’s acceleration and knack of sneaking into the box could cause a problem for him.
David Silva vs Onyinye Ndidi
When Ndidi arrived from Genk, nobody would have imagined he could be the replacement of N’Golo Kante. Although he is not at par with Kante but he has somehow has been able to fill in the shoes of the French midfielder.
David Silva has been the creative force in this City side. The talented playmaker has been the main reason behind City’s rise in prominence and Ndidi needs to take care of his slick passes and delayed runs into the boxes.
Riyad Mahrez vs Gael Clichy
Mahrez’s return to form has helped Leicester immensely as the Foxes have had a late revival of form which has seen them bursting into the top ten. Mahrez was the most influential player last season as the Foxes broke all the odds to become the champions of England.
Side backs have been a problem for Guardiola. Clichy has not been in his best of form but Guardiola will prefer him ahead of Aleksandar Kolarov as Clichy’s defensive attributes is quite good.
