Leicester aiming to inflict further damage on Manchester City
image credit: Leicester City
Manchester City will look to bounce back from a tough run of results as they face Leicester City this Sunday.
The reigning Premier League champions are struggling with just one win in their last 13 matches, but Pep Guardiola remains confident that his team can recover and get back to winning ways.
City will take on Leicester, who are currently fighting relegation, in what promises to be a crucial clash for both teams. Guardiola’s men will be hoping to rediscover their form after a frustrating draw against Everton on Boxing Day, leaving them 14 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool.
The absence of several key players has been a significant challenge for City, but Guardiola believes his team’s spirit and focus can help them turn things around. He said:
We will come back, and that’s already happened. The team is focused, and the spirit in training has been strong.
Leicester, on the other hand, will be eager to secure a vital three points as they aim to climb out of the relegation zone. The Foxes have had a difficult season but will be encouraged by City’s recent struggles.
Manchester City will face Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at 2:30 PM BST.
Team News
Manchester City
Injuries: Rodri, Oscar Bobb, and Ruben Dias are confirmed absentees for the match.
Doubts: Kyle Walker (illness) and Jack Grealish (muscular) are doubtful. John Stones, Matheus Nunes, and Ederson are also unavailable due to various injuries.
Expected Returnees: Kevin De Bruyne, who was a substitute against Everton, is expected to start. Nathan Ake, who was substituted as a precaution in the previous match, is likely to feature.
Leicester City
Injuries: Ricardo Pereira (thigh), Mads Hermansen (groin), Wilfred Ndidi (thigh), Abdul Fatawu (knee), and Wout Faes are sidelined.
Doubtful: Jamie Vardy is a doubt due to a knock. Patson Daka will continue in attack if Vardy doesn’t make it.
Suspension: Jordan Ayew is suspended after accumulating five yellow cards.
This match is crucial for both teams: Manchester City aims to end their winless streak, while Leicester City seeks to improve their position in the league.
With City determined to regain momentum, this match promises to be a critical test of their resilience.
Pundits’ Prediction
Sky Sports’ betting expert, Lewis Jones, believes that Leicester will still be a tough opponent despite City’s recent struggles. He remarked:
How bad must Leicester be if Manchester City are going off 1/3 for the win despite winning just once in their last 13 games?
Lewis Jones’ Prediction: 2-2
Additionally, former Premier League striker and pundit Chris Sutton feels that Manchester City’s attacking quality will ultimately prevail over Leicester’s defensive vulnerabilities:
I don’t think Manchester City will run away with this but the only thing I am unsure about is whether to give Leicester a goal. If Jamie Vardy is available, then I think they will score – but they will still lose regardless.
Sutton Prediction: 1-2
Will Guardiola’s side find their spark, or can Leicester capitalize on City’s vulnerabilities?
While Manchester City has shown flashes of brilliance, their recent struggles, compounded by key injuries, have raised doubts. Guardiola’s confidence in his team’s ability to turn things around could be the spark they need.
However, Leicester, motivated by their relegation battle, could seize the opportunity to exploit City’s defensive weaknesses.
The match promises to be a test of resilience for both sides, and only time will tell whether City can bounce back or Leicester can take advantage of their vulnerabilities.