Leicester vs Manchester City – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Leicester City welcome a struggling Manchester City to the King Power Stadium for their last game of the calendar year.

The Foxes will be looking for a response after their early lead at Anfield dissipated as Liverpool won 3-1 on Boxing Day.

Leicester’s scorer on Boxing Day, Jordan Ayew, is suspended and first-choice goalkeeper Mads Hermansen continues to be unavailable. Wout Faes and Wilfred Ndidi are doubts but Jamie Vardy may be fit enough to play a part on Sunday afternoon.

Manchester City’s turmoil persists after they dropped points again by drawing 1-1 at home with Everton.

But Pep Guardiola will be hoping his side’s fortunes can change for his 500th game in charge of the club.

However, the Spaniard could be without up to eight first-team players for their trip to Leicestershire. Matheus Nunes and Ederson will be assessed after missing the last fortnight of action, while John Stones and Ruben Dias are ruled out.

Leicester City vs Manchester City – Match Preview and Team News

Form

Leicester: WDLLL

A third successive defeat saw Leicester drop into the relegation places over the festive period.

Jordan Ayew efficiently gave the Foxes the lead over Liverpool with a smart finish past Alisson.

But Arne Slot’s side showed title-winning credentials to overturn the deficit with Cody Gakpo, Curtis Jones and Mohamed Salah netting.

Wolves’ win over Manchester United meant they overtook Ruud van Nistelrooy’s team by a solitary point. The Foxes have the joint worst defence in the division having shipped 40 goals.

Manchester City: DLLLD

Pep Guardiola’s side failed to win once again as they drew with a spirited Everton outfit.

Bernardo Silva handed City an early advantage but it was cancelled out by a stunning effort from Iliman Ndiaye.

Erling Haaland uncharacteristically saw a poor spot-kick saved by Jordan Pickford and the spoils were shared in Manchester.

The Premier League champions have now only won once in 13 matches. Their hopes of an unprecedented fifth consecutive league title look to be out of reach, as they trail Liverpool by 14 points having played a game more.

Last Meeting: Manchester City 3-1 Leicester City, Premier League, 15th April 2023.

Manchester City convincingly overcame Leicester when the two sides last met.

The contest was practically over inside the opening 30 minutes as City raced into a three-goal lead.

John Stones emphatically breached Daniel Iversen’s net in the fifth minute as he smashed in a volley after hesitant defending from the Foxes. Erling Haaland doubled the advantage from the spot after Wilfred Ndidi was found guilty of handball inside the area.

The Norwegian then added to his tally shortly after as he had the presence of mind to delicately dink the ball over the stranded Iversen.

It was a landmark goal for multiple reasons. Haaland levelled Mohamed Salah’s record for the most goals in a Premier League season while the assister, Kevin de Bruyne, recorded his 100th league assist for the club.

Former Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho grabbed a consolation in the second half from close range. The hosts ended the season as champions while the visitors were relegated to the Championship.

Predicted Lineups

Leicester: Stolarczyk; Justin, Coady, Okoli, Kristiansen; Soumare, Winks; Buonanotte, Reid, Mavididi; Vardy

Manchester City: Ortega; Lewis, Akanji, Ake, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Silva, Doku; Haaland

Who is the referee?

Michael Oliver will be the match official. He will be assisted by Stuart Burt and Neil Davies while Bobby Madley will be the fourth official. The VAR will be Paul Tierney and he will be assisted by Sian Massey-Ellis.

What channel will Leicester City vs Manchester City on?

Leicester vs Manchester City will be available to watch on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Ultra, Sky Go UK and NOW TV UK.

What time is kick-off?

Kick-off at the King Power Stadium will be at 14:30 GMT on Sunday 29th December 2024.

Odds

Leicester: 7/1

Draw: 9/2

Manchester City: 1/3

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