Manchester City end a year of two halves on Sunday afternoon when they travel to struggling Premier League side Leicester City.
After clinching a fourth successive league title in May, Pep Guardiola's Citizens looked ready to hit the ground running at five after an excellent start to the 2024/25 season. However, the perennial champions have since declined to a level that Guardiola has never before overseen in his managerial career.
There are countless factors at play City Their demise, and their unfortunate run of one win in 13 matches left their season on the brink. Inconceivably, fourth place, not the title, should be their primary goal this season, after they dropped to seventh place with 28 points from 18 matches.
However, the City dwellers at least have a chance to end the year on a high. Ruud van Nistelrooy's Leicester might be a little more exciting than a Steve Cooper iteration, but they surrender shots at will and only improved possession will give the Foxes a chance to survive.
They lost three on the bounce and slid into the relegation zone afterwards Defeat on Boxing Day against Liverpool It was preceded by Wolverhampton's 2-0 victory over Manchester United.
here 90 minutes A guide to the upcoming Man City Premier League clash.
Leicester vs Manchester City H2H record (last five matches)
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 Manchester City – 12/21/24 |
|
Newcastle 4-0 Leicester 12/14/24 |
Man City 1-2 Manchester United – 12/15/24 |
|
Leicester 2-2 Brighton – 12/08/24 |
Juventus 2-0 Manchester City – 12/11/24 |
|
Leicester 3-1 West Ham – 12/03/24 |
Crystal Palace 2-2 Man City – 12/07/24 |
|
nation |
TV Channel/Live Broadcast |
|---|---|
|
UK |
Sky Go UK, NOW, SKY GO Extra, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Ultra HD |
|
US |
peacock |
|
Canada |
fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network Canada |
Patson Daka was awarded the top prize at Anfield with Jamie Vardy sidelined due to a knock and it remains to be seen if the former England international will return in time for the visit of City. Odsonne Edouard is another attacking option for Van Nistelrooy if Vardy is absent.
The Foxes have several other injury concerns that could hamper the new manager's ability to develop any momentum early in his reign. Goalkeeper Mads Hermansen has been Leicester's standout player this season, but is currently sidelined with a thigh injury.
Wilfred Ndidi suffers from a thigh injury, while Ricardo Pereira and Abdul Fatawu are absent for a long period. Fatawou likely won't feature until 2025/26 after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament.
Leicester's expected lineup against Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Stolarczyk; Justin, Coady, Vestergaard, Kristiansen; Skipp, Soumare; Ayew, Buonanotte, Mavididi; Daka.
City suffered another major blow before Christmas as Ruben Dias suffered a muscle injury in the Manchester derby which could keep him out of action for up to a month.
Guardiola could call up Nathan Ake after the Dutchman suffered a spell out, but he is still working on getting back to full fitness. Ake was unable to complete City's Boxing Day draw with Everton and his minutes must be managed carefully this weekend.
However, with John Stones and Kyle Walker out, Guardiola has little choice but to start the Netherlands international again on Sunday.
Mateus Nunes and Ederson have bruises that put their participation in the trip to King Power in doubt, while Rodri and Oscar Pope are long-term absentees.
The expected lineup for Man City against Leicester City (4-1-4-1): nettle. Lewis, Akanji, Ake, Gvardiol; stadium; Bernardo, De Bruyne, Foden, Doku; Holland.
There were periods amid City's bad situation when it felt like a return to normality. They were very good early on against Everton on Boxing Day, however they were able to equalize with Erling Haaland missing a penalty in the second half.
Despite their weaknesses, the Citizens should be supported on Sunday against a Leicester side that will likely be without key faces. The Foxes provide exuberance in transition and should be able to hurt their visitors, but even a City side that often looks one-paced and predictable going forward will be happy against Leicester's porous defensive structure.
This may not be a good game for City, but they will end 2024 on a positive note.
