Manchester City vs Leicester Prediction and Preview – 06/02/16
Premier League preview – Manchester City vs Leicester prediction.
Jesus Navas is doubtful after coming off with a hamstring strain in Manchester City’s midweek victory at Sunderland. Fabian Delph (calf) and Eliaquim Mangala (hamstring) will have fitness tests later in the week to determine their availability for the top-of-the-table clash on Saturday. Samir Nasri, Vincent Kompany, Kevin de Bruyne and Wilfried Bony remain sidelined. Manuel Pellegrini tried to accommodate Kelechi Iheanacho as the second striker in a 4-4-2 system on Tuesday but may change it after his midfield conceded too much possession to the home side.
Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri has no concerns about the fitness of Riyad Mahrez after replacing the French playmaker late in the 2-0 victory over Liverpool on Tuesday. He’ll be ready to continue his prolific partnership with 18-goal Jamie Vardy for the Foxes biggest game of the season this weekend. Ranieri will be able to name an unchanged side with Jeffrey Schlupp and Matthew James the only squad members out of action.
Possible Line-ups
Manchester City 4-3-3 formation: Hart; Sagna, De Michelis, Otamendi, Clichy; Fernandinho, Toure, Fernando; Silva, Aguero, Sterling
Leicester 4-4-2 formation: Schmeichel; Simpson, Morgan, Huth, Fuchs; Mahrez, Kante, Drinkwater, Albrighton; Okazaki, Vardy
Statistics
- Manchester City have won 6 drawn 3 and lost 1 of their last 10 matches
- Leicester have won 4 drawn 4 and lost 2 of their last 10 matches
- Over the course of their previous 10 matches, Manchester City have scored an average of 2 goals and conceded an average of 0.8 goals per game
- Over the course of their previous 10 matches, Leicester have scored an average of 1.2 goals and conceded an average of 1.4 goals per game
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 7 of Manchester City’s previous 10 matches
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 3 of Leicester’s previous 10 matches
Prediction
Manchester City were made to work hard for the three points at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday. However, Pellegrini’s men returned home with their third win in six days, having defeated Aston Villa 4-0 in the FA Cup at the weekend after progressing to the League Cup final by virtue of the 3-1 victory over Everton last Wednesday. City will go top on goal difference should they win on Saturday and can look to a fairly solid home record of 9 wins, 1 draw and 2 defeats in the league this season.
Leicester’s dream of winning the league looks more possible every week and will gain more credibility if they can avoid defeat at Etihad Stadium. The Foxes have only lost one league game on the road this season and were 1-0 winners against third-placed Tottenham at White Hart Lane on 13 January. Ranieri’s men went through a sticky patch after Christmas but have been impressive in the last two games, beating Stoke 3-0 and Liverpool 2-0, at the King Power Stadium.
The reverse fixture finished 0-0 five weeks ago and Saturday’s clash could be equally close.
Tips
Draw at 67/20 with Marathonbet
Under 2.5 goals at 7/10 with BetVictor
Correct Score 0-0 at 14/1 with Betfair Sportsbook
What are your predictions?
Click here to see more Premier League previews, predictions and tips