Leicester City v Man City: Match Preview

Leicester City vs Manchester City: Match Preview – Everything You Need to Know

This Saturday sees Leicester City host Premier League champions Manchester City, 3pm kick-off.

The Foxes go into this game with a mixed start. After an opening weekend 1-0 win over Wolves, they followed this up with a demolition at the London Stadium. West Ham battered Leicester 4-1 which saw numerous individual errors from Brendan Rodgers’ men. However, the East Midlands side responded with a shaky 2-1 win at Carrow Road.

Whilst the Citizens are coming into this fixture in strong form. An opening day 1-0 defeat to Tottenham left many people questioning Pep Guardiola’s side. But, like always, they hit back with a 5-0 dispatching of Norwich City which was followed up with a comfortable 5-0 win over Arsenal.

With both sides playing in European competition midweek, changes are expected to be made.

Predicted line-ups:

Leicester City (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper – Kasper Schmeichel

No question over who will be in between the sticks.

Right-back – Ricardo Pereira

Arguably the club’s best defender, he’ll have his work cut out for him with Man City’s wide talent.

Central defender – Jannik Vestergaard

The big Dane is expected to make his second start for the club.

Central defender – Çağlar Söyüncü

Following the club’s injuries to Jonny Evans and Wesley Fofana, the Söyüncü-Vestergaard partnership will have to be strong.

Left-back – Ryan Bertrand

The former Southampton man could be picked ahead of Luke Thomas due to the defensive stability he can offer.

Defensive midfielder – Wilfred Ndidi

Ndidi is the defensive linchpin for the attackers to flourish, he is pivotal to all success.

Defensive midfielder – Boubakary Soumaré

The Frenchman could be brought into partner Ndidi and offer some serious defensive stability.

Right winger – Patson Daka

The versatile striker will offer a threat on the right due to Man City’s weakness at left-back.

Attacking midfielder – Youri Tielemans

Due to Ndidi and Soumaré’s midfield partnership, the Belgian would have more freedom to flourish.

Left winger – James Maddison

With Tielamans pushed forward, Maddison would have to come in off the left. This would also help to nullify Man City’s right-back threat who tends to drift into a midfield area.

Striker – Jamie Vardy

Who else would lead the line?

Manchester City (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper – Scott Carson

With the Brazilian FA pushing for Brazilians in the Premier League to be banned (for five days) as they weren’t released for international duty, this could rule out Ederson. To go with this blow, Zack Steffen picked up an injury and tested positive for COVID whilst on international duty. This would leave veteran shot stopped Carson as first-choice, who conceded three to Newcastle in his last outing.

Right-back – João Cancelo

The Portuguese has continued his impressive second season this term following a shaky first season.

Central defender – Rúben Dias

Dias has been pivotal to the Citizens’ sturdy defence since his arrival.

Central defender – Aymeric Laporte

After being left out in the cold after Dias-Stones’ partnership looked formidable, the Spaniard has returned with a vengeance.

Left-back – Oleksandr Zinchenko

The Ukrainian could be brought in to offer more defensive stability against an aggressive Foxes side.

Defensive midfielder – Rodri

Like Cancelo, Rodri has turned his Man City career around after a weak first campaign.

Central midfielder – Bernardo Silva

Despite being touted for a move and wanting a move, Silva remains a Man City player and will have to crack on.

Central midfielder – Jack Grealish

A mixed start to his Man City career but he clearly wants to improve and learn the system.

Right winger – Riyad Mahrez

A very impressive start to the season, Mahrez has remained one of the first names on the team sheet.

Striker – Ferran Torres

Following Agüero’s departure and no replacement brought in, Torres has been called upon as a makeshift striker and impressed with two goals and an assist so far this season.

Left winger – Raheem Sterling

The English star is coming off an impressive international break and will want to keep the momentum with him.