Leicester v Manchester City: Premier League match odds, form, team-news, verdict

Premier League: Leicester v Manchester City

Where to watch

Sky Sports Main Event & Premier League, 5.30pm Saturday

Match odds

Leicester 100-30, Draw 16-5, Manchester City 3-4

Form

Manchester City didn’t appear fazed by news that they could be excluded from the Champions League for the next two seasons as they extended their advantage over third-placed Leicester from one point to four with Wednesday’s 2-0 stroll against West Ham.

City were fully focused as they ended a two-game losing streak and if it wasn’t for some slack finishing - they had 20 shots - the scoreline could have had a more emphatic look to it.

The return of influential defenders Aymeric Laporte and Benjamin Mendy had a positive impact as the Hammers failed to register a shot on goal and were limited to only six touches in City’s area.

With 12 games remaining, this crunch clash at the King Power looks make-or-break for the Foxes if they are to have any chance of finishing ahead of City and taking second spot.

Leicester, 10-1 with Sky Bet to chase home champions-elect Liverpool compared to City’s quotes of 1-66, have won only three of their eight league matches since suffering a 3-1 reverse at the Etihad in December. That was also the last time Leicester hotshot Jamie Vardy hit the back of the net.

Team news

Manchester City’s midfield maestro David Silva limped off in Wednesday’s win over West Ham and is a likely absentee. However, the recoveries of Aymeric Laporte and Benjamin Mendy offer extra support defensively.

Wilfred Ndidi has missed Leicester’s last two matches, draws against Chelsea and Wolves, but Brendan Rodgers is optimistic he will be fit to feature. Hamza Choudhury is suspended, adding extra importance to Ndidi’s return.

The tactical battle

Expect Manchester City to take control of possession from an early stage with Leicester trying to soak up the pressure before hitting them on the break.

That was Leicester's approach at the Etihad in December. James Maddison would look for the ball at every chance before unearthing a defence-splitting pass for the swift legs of Vardy to chase.

Riyad Mahrez grabbed City’s opener that day and it was evident from an early stage that Guardiola wanted him to use his speed and dribbling skills in one-on-one situations against Ben Chilwell, who had to adopt a more defensive approach as a result.

Mahrez was an unused substitute in midweek, so expect him to feature. He is a 7-1 chance to open the scoring.

Verdict

Leicester have found Premier League points hard to come lately - they have just one win in their last five - and that may have a lot do with the goal drought of talisman Jamie Vardy.

City should be too strong, particularly so if Ndidi doesn’t recover, but they still don't convince defensively. Guardiola will undoubtedly have one eye on their Champions League tie so the Foxes, who have scored in 11 of their last 12 at home, should be able to get on the scoreboard.

Manchester City to win 2-1

Key stats

• Leicester’s leading marksman Jamie Vardy has gone eight games without scoring
• Both teams have netted in eight of the last ten meetings
• The Foxes have shipped ten times in their last five home Premier League encounters

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