Author: Soorya G
Two teams who have a big task ahead of them, albeit at completely different ends of the spectrum, will face each other in the Premier League, as defending champions Manchester City take on relegation-threatened Leicester City in a home game at the Etihad Stadium. Both teams have important last eight games ahead of them, as Manchester City look to close the gap between themselves and current league leaders Arsenal.
The league title, which at one point in the season seemed immutable, has now opened up a title race for all time, as there may only be a three-point gap separating the two teams at the end of Saturday’s clash. The three-point gap, which seems like a huge margin to overcome with only eight games to play, is in fact much smaller when you consider the fact that Arsenal and Manchester City will meet in just two weeks’ time. The colossal game will also be played at the Etihad and will probably decide the outcome of the league season.
Looking back, Mikel Arteta’s side may regret the three difficult league games in which they lost to Everton, drew with Brentford and lost to the champions themselves. Apart from this run of draws, Arsenal have lost just one game all season. However, they have slipped up on a few occasions of late, surprisingly squandering a decisive 2-0 lead at Anfield to level the game.
City will be delighted as they are in top form, having lost just one game in their last sixteen in all competitions. The league champions, who seemed to falter a little at the start of the season by their high standards, have hit their stride and may be in the driving seat to win another Premier League title if recent form is the defining parameter.
Meanwhile, Leicester are going through a huge crisis. The team’s fall from the highest echelon of English soccer to potential relegation to the Championship cannot simply be understood. The 2015/16 champions have endured a terrible season in every respect, as they currently sit in 19th place, struggling to stay in the Premier League.
Under former manager Brendan Rodgers, Leicester did extremely well, with two fifth-place finishes that could easily have put them in Europe had it not been for some last-minute drama. But the English club lost a number of stars during the summer transfer window, including goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and midfielder Wesley Fofana. Jamie Vardy’s successor has yet to be found, and the lack of goals up front has to be desperately compensated for.
Their defense is in ruins, as only Bournemouth, Leeds United and Nottingham Forest have conceded more than them. In any case, the game against Manchester City, and any match from now on, will be a must-win game for Leicester, who will be looking to avoid relegation at all costs. Even so, only a complete overhaul and the appointment of a good coach can save the team.
Team news
Manchester City are coming off a magnificent victory over German titans Bayern Munchen in the Champions League, with Pep Guardiola’s side almost confirming their passage to the semi-finals of Europe’s most coveted club competition. Considering the game took place in midweek, it wouldn’t be a big surprise if the tactical mastermind decided to rest some key players, but the situation suggests full strength. Leicester, on the other hand, have no choice but to field their best squad in an attempt to take some points off the title holders.
Expected line-up:
Manchester City: Ederson; Akanji, Dias, Ake; Walker, Rodri; Mahrez, Alvarez, Gundogan, Grealish; Haaland;
Leicester City: Iversen; Faes, Evans, Souttar; Kristiansen, Ndidi, Dewsbury-Hall, Castagne; Maddison, Iheanacho, Vardy;
Key players:
Ilkay Gundogan will be the one to watch on Saturday. The German midfielder has a knack of scoring beautiful goals, and that’s the expectation for Saturday as well.
Kelechi Iheanacho has been impressive in passing this season, but has underperformed. The outrageously talented Nigerian can shine against his former employers in what will be a familiar atmosphere.
Prediction:
Given the form Guardiola’s men are in, a big win seems the only outcome against Leicester City.
Mahrez will shine against his former club.
The Algerian magician has definitely established himself as one of the Premier League’s big names and will be hoping to do well against a familiar team.
Maddison to impress!
The English star has easily been his team’s best player this season, and a star of his quality can be decisive against the best opposition.