Despite this game not involving Liverpool, who currently sit top of the Premier League it could be the game to really decide the title, even as early as December. A win for Leicester would see them stay 10 points behind (providing Liverpool win), if not they’ll find themselves 12 or 13 points behind with 20 games to go. Man City are 4 points behind Leicester prior to tonight so a win would potentially reduce the gap to 11 points which still is a tough task.
In last year’s meetings between the sides, each team won their respective home fixtures and this exact game near enough secured City the league after a Vincent Kompany wondergoal. As previously mentioned, this game has a very different situation surrounding it but both teams are in great form and nothing can be expected another than goals.
In the last 10 matches in all competitions City have had over 2.5 goals in 8 of those with both teams scoring in 9. Kevin De Bruyne has been the driving force behind City’s current form with the recent absence of Sergio Aguero (groin), but the Argentine looks to be returning in the coming week or so but would be expected to have a bench role today. De Bruyne has arguably been player of the season so far with 6 goals and 11 assists and simply ran the show against Arsenal in the 3-0 win last weekend. Similar can be said about Jamie Vardy’s influence for Leicester.
Vardy is the PL top goalscorer currently with 16 goals in 16 appearances and is clearly in electrifying form but did draw a blank vs relegation threatened Norwich. Leicester came into the game against the Canaries on an 8-game win streak where they faltered and drew which is inexcusable with the bar they’ve set already. Even with Vardy’s prowess offensively, Leicester’s defence has been superb. The Foxes have only conceded 11 goals in the Premier League which equivalates to 0.64 goals a game but, they have not kept a clean sheet away against City since 2003.
Injury-wise there’s no injuries for Leicester to worry about and for City Aguero’s on the way back. Aymeric Laporte is still sidelined and has shown how large a miss he’s been for them with City’s defence looking more vulnerable than ever. Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva and Rodri are all on 4 PL yellow cards which makes them 1 away from suspension coming into the busiest time of the season.
This game is bound to be a cracker and it’s huge for several reasons. There’s going to be plenty of action, cards and drama so here’s a little pick wager-wise.
Please bear in mind it’s the time of year where rotation is prominent, this is purely based on personal thoughts.
samyets 