Manchester City players celebrate after scoring. (Getty Images)
Defending champions Manchester City will be aiming to get back to winning ways when they face Leicester City away at the King Power Stadium on Boxing Day. The Cityzens were dealt a shocker of a blow when Crystal Palace arrived at the Etihad and beat them 3-2 on Saturday. That result has left Pep Guardiola’s men four points behind leaders Liverpool.
It means the game against the Foxes can be deemed as a must-win for City, as they seek to close down the gap. Both these teams faced each other a few days back in the Carabao Cup quarterfinals, with City winning the tie on penalties. But everything will be different in league terms. Leicester are coming into this game after an impressive 1-0 win over Chelsea away from home.
David Silva and Vincent Kompany are still doubts for this game. Kevin de Bruyne is now fit and may get his first league start of the season. Sergio Aguero too is fit now to start a game. Fernandinho is facing a late fitness test for this game. Benjamin Mendy is out long-term.
The Brazilian could have done well to stop Palace’s first goal on Saturday. He would be eager to get a clean sheet on Wednesday.
Kyle Walker had an absolute nightmare of a game against the Eagles. He could make way for Danilo against the Foxes.
He did well in that defensive midfield role but the Englishman is far more comfortable when playing in central defence.
The Frenchman has been a solid defender this season for the Cityzens. He needs to slightly step up his game though as goals are being conceded on regular basis.
Expect Fabian Delph to get a rest, with the young Zinchenko to get a start at left-back.
With Fernandinho still in “touch and go” situation, we could see Gundogan in the deeper-lying midfield role.
This might be the game where we might see the Belgian start his first league game of the season.
The Portuguese is expected to keep his place in the midfield, with injuries to David Silva and Fernandinho leaving them slightly short.
The former Leicester man didn’t start against Palace and is expected to do so against his former team.
The Argentine is fully fit now and must start to galvanise the City attack which is going out of rhythm slightly.
The Englishman has been in good form and should continue that when playing on Wednesday.
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