Leicester vs Man City: Preview, Predictions and Lineups

Manchester City end a year of two halves on Sunday afternoon when they visit struggling Leicester City in the Premier League.

After securing their fourth consecutive league title in May, Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering Cityzens looked set for a run of five after a superb start to the 2024/25 season. However, the perennial champions have since fallen to a level Guardiola has never overseen in his managerial career.

There are countless factors at play city flop, and their miserable run of one win in 13 games left their season on the brink. Inconceivable, a top-four finish, rather than the title, must be their primary objective this term, having slumped to seventh place with 28 points from 18 games.

However, Cityzens at least have a chance to end the year on a high. Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester may be a little more exciting than Steve Cooper’s iteration, but they concede shots at will and only improvement out of possession will give the Foxes a chance of survival.

They lost three on the bounce and slipped into the drop zone after them Boxing Day defeat to Liverpool it was preceded by Wolves’ 2-0 triumph over Manchester United.

Here 90 minutes a guide to the upcoming Man City Premier League conflict.

Leicester vs Man City H2H record (last five matches)

Current form (all competitions)

Patson Daka was given the upper hand at Anfield with Jamie Vardy sidelined with knock and it remains to be seen whether the former England international will be back in time for the visit of City. Odsonne Edouard is another attacking option for Van Nistelrooy if Vardy misses out.

The Foxes have several other significant injury problems which are sure to hamper the new manager’s ability to build any momentum at the start of his reign. Goalkeeper Mads Hermansen has been Leicester’s best player this term but is currently sidelined with a groin injury.

Wilfred Ndidi has thigh problems, while Ricardo Pereira and Abdul Fatawu are out for long periods. Fatawu probably won’t appear until 2025/2026. after tearing his ACL.

Predicted line-up of Leicester against Man City (4-2-3-1): Stolarczyk; Justin, Coady, Vestergaard, Kristiansen; Skipp, Soumare; Ayew, Buonanotte, Mavididi; Daka.

City have been dealt another major blow before Christmas with Ruben Dias picking up a muscle injury in the Manchester Derby which could keep him out for up to a month.

Guardiola can call on Nathan Ake after the Dutchman endured a layoff, but he is still working his way back to full fitness. Ake failed to finish City’s Boxing Day draw with Everton and his minutes will have to be managed carefully this weekend.

However, with John Stones and Kyle Walker expected to miss out, Guardiola has little choice but to start the Netherlands international again on Sunday.

Matheus Nunes and Ederson are dealing with knocks that make them questionable for the trip to the King Power, while Rodri and Oscar Bobb are long-term absentees.

Predicted line-up of Man City against Leicester (4-1-4-1): Ortega; Lewis, Akanji, Ake, Guardiol; Gundogan; Bernardo, De Bruyne, Foden, Doku; Haaland.

There were spells in the midst of City’s terrible run when you sensed a return to normalcy. They were so good at the start against Everton on Boxing Day and still managed to equalize with Erling Haaland missing a spot-kick in the second half.

Despite their weaknesses, the Cityzens need to be supported on Sunday against a Leicester side likely to be without several key faces. The Foxes offer exuberance in transition and should be able to hurt their visitors, but even a City side that has often seemed one-sided and predictable will have joy going forward against Leicester’s porous defensive structure.

This may not be the right game for City, but they will end their 2024 on a positive note.

Prediction: Leicester 1-3 Man City

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