Third meets second as Manchester City welcome Leicester City to the Etihad Stadium in a huge Premier League clash.
A win for Man City will move them to within a point of Leicester, who could pull out a seven gap with victory which would be the same margin to leaders – Liverpool.
Team news
Embed from Getty ImagesDavid Silva could return for Manchester City after overcoming a knock which saw him miss the Citizens’ last two games.
Sergio Aguero could also be available after missing recent games with a muscle injury, although Aymeric Laporte, Leroy Sane (both knee) and John Stones (hamstring) are still absent.
Leicester have no fresh injury concerns with Matty James still their only absentee with a calf injury.
Form
Man City have lost one of their last five league games but have kept just one clean sheet in their last seven home games across all competitions.
Leicester are unbeaten in their last 11 across all competitions, whilst conceding just four goals in five away trips during that run in which they netted 22 goals.
Stat Attack
- Manchester City have won six of their last seven meetings with Leicester in all competitions – including cup games which went to penalties (W6, L1).
- Leicester have lost their last three trips to the Etihad by a combined aggregate of 8-2 since winning 3-1 here en route to the 2015-16 title.
- Only Man City have scored more away league goals than Leicester’s 21 so far this season, despite having played one away game more than the Foxes.
- Kasper Schmeichel has already made eight high claims this season, matching his total amount from last season.
- No Man City player has made more tackles so far this season than Rodri, who has made 30 tackles in 15 appearances.
Prediction
This is a huge clash because a win here for Leicester could give them real momentum in the title race, especially with Liverpool up next on Boxing Day.
I however feel that the Foxes’ priority is the Carabao Cup given that they barely rotated their squad in midweek, which could well be a factor against a refreshed Man City team with several regulars rested in midweek at Oxford United.
City however haven’t been the most stable of teams at home with just one clean sheet in their last seven at home across all competitions, which offers Leicester hope if they can start quickly on the front foot.
I therefore wouldn’t be surprised if this finishes as a draw but Leicester have already struggled away against the ‘Big Six’ this season, so am going for a last gasp City winner.
Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Leicester City
Result: Manchester City 3-1 Leicester City