Thursday, March 28, 2024

Prediction: Manchester City vs Leicester City

Verdict: Manchester City win & Manchester City to score in both halves

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Unibet

Hoping to lay down another marker on Boxing Day afternoon, Premier League leaders Manchester City will welcome Leicester to the Etihad this weekend.

Manchester City

Starting with the hosts, putting in what was another professional display last weekend, Manchester City should find the mood in their camp at a real high. Opening Christmas Day sat at the top of the table, it is no secret that Pep Guardiola’s men have their sights set on clinching back-to-back Premier League titles this season. Breezing their way to a 4-0 romp away at relegation scrappers Newcastle last time out, the one-time Barcelona boss will be looking for his side to lay down another marker here. Eventually booking their spot in the knockout stage of this year’s Champions League with time to spare, the Sky Blues are in the midst of a real purple patch. Finding a way to build off of their stellar 7-0 victory against Leeds on December 14th, City have won 10 of their last 11 outings, a run that stems back to the end of October.

Team News

With both Jack Grealish and Phil Foden missing out last weekend due to a disciplinary issue, the England duo will be hoping for a recall to Guardiola’s starting XI here.

Aside from Ferran Torres who is still dealing with a foot injury, Manchester City have a full squad to choose from on Sunday.

Leicester City

As for the visitors, while Leicester might have thought they were cruising their way to the semi-finals of this year’s EFL Cup in midweek, the Foxes suffered last-gasp heartbreak at Anfield. Throwing away a two-goal lead on two separate occasions, Brendan Rodgers’ men suffered defeat from the penalty spot as his side failed to pounce on a golden opportunity. Knowing that they will face another stern test when they travel to the defending Premier League champions on Boxing Day, the former Swansea boss will be hoping for his squad to find a similar level they set prior to their minor break. Breezing their way to a 4-0 romp against relegation scrappers Newcastle, that is still the only victory that Leicester have picked up from their last five matchups across all formats. Gaining a reputation for their inconsistencies so far this season, Rodgers has also seen his side lose each of their last five contests away from the King Power.

Team News

After bagging a brace against Liverpool in midweek, Jamie Vardy will be hoping to retain his spot in Leicester’s attack at the Etihad.

However, still dealing with a thigh injury veteran defender Johnny Evans will once again miss out on Boxing Day.

Key Factors to Consider

    • When the two sides faced off at the King Power earlier in the season, Manchester City picked up a 1-0 victory.
    • Likewise, the defending Premier League champions have won 10 of their last 11 contests from across all formats, a run that stems back to October 30th.
    • England international Raheem Sterling has scored in each of his last three top-flight appearances.
    • Leicester have won just one of their last five matchups across all formats.
    • Likewise, the Foxes have also lost each of their last three matchups away from the King Power, conceding at least a pair of goals in each of those defeats.

    Conclusion

    Managing to pick up back-to-back 4-0 and 7-0 romps against Newcastle and Leeds over the past week, Manchester City will be looking to lay down another marker here. Opening the Boxing Day fixtures still holding their spot at the top of the Premier League table, Guardiola’s side should be looking to cash in on a Leicester side that have shown some extended inconsistencies. Despite securing their own thumping win against the Magpies earlier in the month, that was the only victory that Sunday’s guests have picked up from their last five attempts. Likewise, losing each of their previous three matchups away from the King Power, it should also be noted that they suffered a 1-0 loss when the two sides faced off back in September.

    Verdict: Manchester City win & Manchester City to score in both halves

    Best Odds: 8/11

    Bookmaker: Unibet

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    Tom Dunstan


    Formerly of The Independent, Tom has spent the past six years as one of our senior writers and betting experts. Alongside working with numerous publications from across the globe, Tom also graduated from the University of Falmouth in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Digital Media.
    Spending almost the past decade working in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada, he has also spent time featuring in sports radio. Tom can be followed on Instagram - @iamtomdunstan

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