Manchester City travel to the King Power Stadium on Sunday, December 29, in search of their first win in six games across all competitions. Meanwhile, Leicester City, mired in a three-game losing streak, are desperate for points to climb out of the relegation zone. Both teams are under pressure to turn their fortunes around, making this a pivotal clash for contrasting reasons. The Africa Football’s editor Bill Eshun looks into the upcoming clash.
- Manchester City have failed to win any of their last five games in all competitions.
- Leicester City are on a three-game losing streak.
To some, Manchester City’s season already seems over as they have uncharacteristically struggled against generally lower-rated teams over the last few weeks. After suffering three straight defeats, including a 2-0 loss to Juventus in the Champions League, Pep Guardiola’s side managed only a 1-1 draw against a struggling Everton team.
The Cityzens are now six points adrift of the top four and, currently sitting in 7th place, are outside the European qualification slots. This is uncharted territory for Pep Guardiola.
However, Leicester City could present the perfect opportunity for the Spaniard to get his team back on track. The Foxes, on their own three-game losing streak, are in dire form and remain firmly entrenched in the relegation zone.
Jordan Ayew’s absence to hurt Leicester
Ghanaian forward Jordan Ayew, who sported a new haircut against Liverpool, found the net in their defeat to the league leaders. He is now the team’s second-highest goalscorer (4) in the league this season, trailing only Jamie Vardy (6).
The former Swansea striker also ranks third in shots (17) and expected goals (2.4), underscoring his importance in attack for the 2016 Premier League champions.
With Ayew absent due to an accumulation of yellow cards, Leicester City will struggle without one of their key attacking contributors.
Team News
Leicester will be without six players, including Jordan Ayew, Fatawu Issahaku, and Nathaniel Opoku. Meanwhile, Manchester City will miss four players, including Ruben Dias and Rodri.
The Odds
Leicester’s chances of victory are currently priced at 8.65 according to 1xBet, while Manchester City’s odds stand at 1.344. A draw is priced at 6.01.
Prediction
With both teams struggling for different reasons, a draw seems the most likely outcome. Pep’s team have been scoring goals but have consistently struggled to keep clean sheets. As a result, both teams are likely to find the net and share the spoils.
Scoreline Prediction: Leicester 1-1 Manchester City
