Manchester City will look to strengthen their grip on the Premier League top four when they host a rapidly declining Leicester City side at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday evening.
After securing their spot in the FA Cup semi-finals over the weekend, City return to league action with momentum on their side, albeit without several key players. The home fixture presents a valuable opportunity for Pep Guardiola’s squad to climb higher in the table, especially with direct rivals yet to play this week.
City’s domestic title hopes have faded after an inconsistent season, but securing Champions League qualification remains a priority. Currently sitting fifth, a win over Leicester could propel them above Chelsea temporarily as the top-four race intensifies.
In contrast, Leicester City have endured a nightmare return to the top flight. The Foxes have suffered a disastrous campaign marked by instability, tactical issues, and a complete lack of attacking threat. With just one Premier League win since mid-December and five consecutive goalless matches, their situation appears dire.
Leicester’s defensive frailties and toothless attack leave them vulnerable against a City side, even one missing its star striker. Erling Haaland is expected to miss several weeks due to an ankle injury sustained in the FA Cup quarter-final, adding to City’s growing injury list. Nevertheless, with depth in midfield and wide areas, the reigning FA Cup holders still possess enough firepower to dominate at home.
Wednesday’s clash should serve as a litmus test for City’s ability to adapt in Haaland’s absence and maintain their Champions League momentum. For Leicester, it’s another uphill battle in a season that continues to spiral downward.
Match Info
- Date: Wednesday, 2 April
- Time: 19:45 BST / 14:45 ET / 11:45 PT
- Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
- Referee: Darren England
- VAR: James Bell
Head-to-Head (Last 5 Meetings)
- Man City Wins: 5
- Leicester Wins: 0
- Draws: 0
Form Guide
Man City (last 5 games in all competitions):
- W vs Bournemouth (2-1)
- D vs Brighton (2-2)
- L vs Nottingham Forest (0-1)
- W vs Plymouth (3-1)
- W vs Tottenham (1-0)
Leicester (last 5 games in all competitions):
- L vs Man Utd (0-3)
- L vs Chelsea (0-1)
- L vs West Ham (0-2)
- L vs Brentford (0-4)
- L vs Arsenal (0-2)
Team News
Manchester City:
The squad is stretched with multiple injuries. Erling Haaland headlines the list of absentees due to an ankle injury. Defenders Manuel Akanji, John Stones, and Nathan Ake are also out, alongside midfield anchors Rodri and Oscar Bobb.
Leicester City:
The Foxes are without Abdul Fatawu for the season due to an ACL tear. Ricardo Pereira remains a doubt after missing the last fixture, which adds further strain to a side already low on options and confidence.
Predicted Lineups
Man City (4-2-3-1):
Ederson; Lewis, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Kovacic, Gonzalez; Savinho, De Bruyne, Silva; Marmoush.
Leicester (3-4-2-1):
Hermansen; Faes, Vestergaard, Coady; Justin, Ndidi, Soumare, Kristiansen; Buonanotte, El Khannous; Vardy.
Prediction
With Leicester struggling to find the net and City’s attacking options still potent despite injuries, this game has all the makings of a one-sided contest. Expect Manchester City to dominate possession, create plenty of chances, and keep a clean sheet against a goal-shy Leicester side.
Predicted Score: Manchester City 4-0 Leicester City
