Manchester City end a year of two halves on Sunday afternoon when they travel to face struggling Leicester City in the Premier League.
After securing their fourth successive league title in May, Pep Guardiola’s hugely successful Cityzens looked set for an excellent start to the 2024/25 season in fifth place. However, the all-time champions have now sunk to a level that Guardiola has never reached in his managerial career.
Countless factors play a role City The decline and dismal streak of one win in 13 games have sent their season into the abyss. It is unthinkable that a place in the top four, rather than the title, has to be their primary aim this season after they fell to seventh with 28 points from 18 games.
However, the Cityzens at least have a chance of ending the year with success. Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester may be a little more exciting than Steve Cooper’s version, but they take their shots at will and only improvement from possession will give the Foxes a chance of survival.
They lost three straight times and slipped into the drop zone after their win Boxing Day defeat to Liverpool This was preceded by Wolves’ 2-0 win over Manchester United.
Here is 90 minutes Guide to the upcoming Man City Premier League Collision.
Leicester vs Man City H2H record (last five games)
Current form (all competitions)
|
Leicester |
Man City |
|---|---|
|
Liverpool 3-1 Leicester – 12/26/24 |
Man City 1-1 Everton – 12/26/24 |
|
Leicester 0-3 Wolves – 12/21/24 |
Aston Villa 2-1 Man City – 12/21/24 |
|
Newcastle 4-0 Leicester 12/14/24 |
Man City 1-2 Man Utd – 12/15/24 |
|
Leicester 2-2 Brighton – 08/12/24 |
Juventus 2-0 Man City – 11/12/24 |
|
Leicester 3-1 West Ham – 03/12/24 |
Crystal Palace 2-2 Man City – 07/12/24 |
|
country |
TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
|
United Kingdom |
Sky Go UK, NOW, SKY GO Extra, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Ultra HD |
|
United States |
peacock |
|
Canada |
fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network Canada |
Patson Daka has been called up to the helm at Anfield in the absence of Jamie Vardy through injury 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 striker option for Van Nistelrooy if Vardy is unavailable.
The Foxes have several other significant injury concerns that will impact the new coach’s ability to build momentum early in his tenure. Goalkeeper Mads Hermansen has been Leicester’s standout performer this season but is currently out with a groin injury.
Wilfred Ndidi is suffering from thigh problems, while Ricardo Pereira and Abdul Fatawu are out for the long term. Fatawu is unlikely to play until 2025/26 after suffering a torn cruciate ligament.
Predicted line-up for Leicester against Man City (4-2-3-1): Stolarczyk; Justin, Coady, Vestergaard, Kristiansen; Skipp, Soumare; Ayew, Buonanotte, Mavididi; Daka.
City suffered another major blow before Christmas when Ruben Dias suffered a muscle injury in the Manchester derby that could keep him out for up to a month.
Guardiola can call on Nathan Ake after the Dutchman suffered a lengthy layoff, but he is still working on getting back to full fitness. Ake was unable to complete City’s Boxing Day draw against Everton and his minutes will need to be managed carefully this weekend.
However, with both John Stones and Kyle Walker set to miss out, Guardiola will have no choice but to start the Netherlands international again on Sunday.
Matheus Nunes and Ederson are struggling with absences that put their participation in the King Power in doubt, while Rodri and Oscar Bobb are out for extended periods.
Predicted Man City line-up against Leicester (4-1-4-1): nettle; Lewis, Akanji, Ake, Gvardiol; Stadium; Bernardo, De Bruyne, Foden, documentary; Holland.
There were times during City’s dark period when it felt like some semblance of normality was returning. They were so good early on Boxing Day against Everton, but managed to draw the game as Erling Haaland missed a penalty in the second half.
Despite their shortcomings, the Cityzens will need support on Sunday against a Leicester team who are likely to be without a few key players. The Foxes offer exuberance in transition and should be able to hurt their visitors, but even a City team that often looks monotonous and predictable in attack will delight in Leicester’s porous defensive structure.
This may not be a good game for City, but they will end 2024 on a positive note.
