Leicester vs Manchester City Preview
- Draw or City win
- Over 2.5 goals
Leicester City and Manchester City face off at the King Power Stadium in a high-stakes Premier League encounter.
Leicester find themselves in the relegation zone after three consecutive defeats, while Manchester City are enduring an uncharacteristically poor run of form, leaving both sides desperate for a positive result.
Leicester City: In Trouble
Leicester’s 3-1 Boxing Day loss to Liverpool marked their third consecutive defeat, plunging them into the Premier League relegation zone for the first time this season.
Despite the result, manager Ruud van Nistelrooy insisted his side showed promise, which he hopes to carry into this daunting clash against the reigning champions.
However, Leicester’s recent record against Manchester City offers little encouragement, with the Foxes losing their last four meetings with Guardiola’s side.
Their one win in five home games (D1, L3) also underlines their struggles at the King Power Stadium.
That said, Leicester matches have been entertaining, with 14 of their 18 league games featuring both teams scoring, a trend they’ll hope continues in their favour.
Key Player: Jakub Stolarczyk
Drafted in for his Premier League debut against Liverpool, the young goalkeeper impressed with four key saves. He’ll need to replicate that form against City’s dangerous attack.
Manchester City: Searching for Answers
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are enduring a slump that would have been unthinkable a year ago. Their 1-1 draw with Everton on Boxing Day extended a run of just one win in 13 matches across all competitions (D3, L9), leaving them seventh in the table and 14 points adrift of the top.
City’s away form has been equally troubling, with no wins in their last five league road games (D1, L4), their longest such streak since 2015.
Despite their poor form, City have won their last four visits to the King Power Stadium ‘to nil’, a record Guardiola will be desperate to maintain to close out 2024 on a positive note.
Key Player: Bernardo Silva
Silva scored against Everton on Boxing Day and has a strong record at the King Power, including a winner there in September 2021. His creativity and finishing could be key to breaking Leicester’s resistance.
Tactical Battle
- Leicester’s Approach:
Van Nistelrooy’s side will likely adopt a defensive setup, looking to absorb City’s pressure and hit on the counter-attack. With Jakub Stolarczyk in goal and players like James Maddison creating chances, Leicester will aim to exploit City’s vulnerabilities at the back. - Manchester City’s Approach:
City will dominate possession and rely on intricate passing to break down Leicester’s defence. Guardiola will expect his midfield, led by Silva and Kevin De Bruyne, to control the game and create openings for Erling Haaland and Phil Foden.
What’s at Stake?
- Leicester City: A win would lift Leicester out of the relegation zone and provide a crucial morale boost heading into the new year.
- Manchester City: Victory is essential to arrest their slide and keep their European qualification hopes alive.
Head-to-Head Insights
- Leicester have lost their last four meetings with Manchester City.
- City have kept a clean sheet in their last four trips to the King Power Stadium.
- Leicester’s matches have seen both teams score in 14 of their 18 league games this season.
- Manchester City have conceded 62 goals in 2024, their most in a calendar year since 2016 (67).
Prediction
Both teams are under immense pressure, but City’s superior quality and Leicester’s defensive frailties tilt the balance in Guardiola’s favour. While Leicester may make it competitive, City’s hunger to end their dreadful run should see them edge this clash.
Prediction: Leicester City 1-2 Manchester City
This year-end encounter promises intensity as Leicester fight for survival and City seek to regain their rhythm. Can the Foxes pull off a shock, or will the champions reassert their dominance? Fans at the King Power are in for an enthralling contest.
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Leicester v Man City, 2024/25 | Premier League