Manchester City vs Leicester: Premier League Preview and Prediction
Man City hosts Leicester at the Etihad on Wednesday as they look to get three points in the bag for Champions League qualification. City are 5th in the league, and Leicester 19th and on a 6-game losing streak.
Team News & Tactics
Manchester City
City will be without several key players, including Rodri (knee), John Stones (thigh), Manuel Akanji (groin), Nathan Ake (ankle), and Erling Haaland (knock). Guardiola is expected to field a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on midfield control and attacking fluidity.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Lewis, Dias, Khusanov, Gvardiol; Gundogan, Gonzalez; Doku, De Bruyne, Foden; Marmoush.
Kevin De Bruyne will play a central role in creating opportunities for Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden on the flanks, while Omar Marmoush leads the attack in Haaland’s absence.
Leicester City
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side faces a tough challenge with Abdul Fatawu Issahaku ruled out due to injury. Leicester are likely to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing defensive solidity and counterattacks.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Stolarczyk; Justin, Vestergaard, Faes, Kristiansen; Winks, Soumare; Ayew, Buonanotte, Mavididi; Vardy.
Jamie Vardy will spearhead the attack for Leicester, supported by Facundo Buonanotte’s creativity and Jordan Ayew’s pace on the wing.
Key Stats
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Manchester City have won five of their last six meetings against Leicester City.
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Leicester have failed to score in their last six Premier League matches.
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Leicester have conceded at least two goals in 13 of their last 15 league games.
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Manchester City have dropped points in three of their last four league matches but remain unbeaten at home against Leicester since 2016.
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Jamie Vardy has scored seven goals against Manchester City during his Premier League career.
Player to Watch
Omar Marmoush (Manchester City)
With Haaland out, Marmoush steps in as City’s main striker. He’s adapted well to English football and will look to exploit Leicester’s defence with his pace and finishing.
Manchester City vs Leicester Prediction
This should be a one sided affair with City’s quality and Leicester’s poor form. Leicester will try to park the bus but City should have enough possession to create enough chances to win comfortably.
Manchester City 3-0 Leicester City
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