Pep Guardiola’s men were the better team for an hour of their heavyweight clash with the league leaders last Saturday, but a failure to extend their lead by converting one of the many golden chances they created ultimately came back to haunt them as Chelsea – who were devastating on the counter-attack – scored three times to turn the game on its head. It was undoubtedly a major setback for City against a direct rival for the title, but it is now important that they forget about that loss and set about putting it right at the King Power Stadium. The Citizens started the season strongly but have faltered a little in the last couple of months, and it is vital that they do not drop any more points on Saturday as they seek to chase down Antonio Conte’s in-form charges at the top.
Leicester are also going through something of a sticky patch at present: their 2-1 reverse against Sunderland last weekend made it just one win in their last nine Premier League encounters. Claudio Ranieri’s charges are currently just two points and two places above the drop zone after 14 matches, although they can at least take solace in the fact that their home record is much stronger than their away one. Nevertheless, while it is totally understandable that the Foxes have decided to prioritise the Champions League so far this term, it is essential that they do not neglect the top flight – if they do, they could find themselves in real trouble at the wrong end of the table come the end of the campaign.
Guardiola will have to make do without Sergio Aguero, Nicolas Otamendi and Fernandinho, who are all banned, and injured captain Vincent Kompany. Raheem Sterling should be fit enough to return following a knee problem, while Kelechi Iheanacho looks set to be handed his fourth Premier League start of the season in the absence of Aguero. City have switched between three- and four-man backlines in 2016/17, with the latter more likely on this occasion.
Leicester, meanwhile, will be without the suspended Danny Drinkwater, while Kasper Schmeichel remains sidelined with a fractured hand. Jamie Vardy has struggled for goals this year – the England international has found the net just twice in 14 league appearances – but should start alongside either Shinji Okazaki or Islami Slimani up top, while Papy Mendy could come into the centre of midfield after recently returning from injury.
It is difficult to look past a comfortable Manchester City triumph at the King Power Stadium this weekend. Leicester look a shadow of the former selves, and although Guardiola’s side have struggled to turn positive performances into results at times this season, they should have too much for the champions on Saturday. An away win with Kelechi Iheanacho to score anytime is therefore a combination bet worth exploring for this one.
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