Manchester City end a year of two halves on Sunday afternoon as they travel to a struggling Leicester City side in the Premier League.
After securing their fourth consecutive league title in May, Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering Cityzens looked set for a run at five after making an excellent start to the 2024/25 season. However, the perennial champions have since slumped to a level Guardiola has never overseen in his managerial career.
There are myriad factors at play in City’s demise, and their woeful run of one win in 13 games has left their season on the brink. Unthinkably, a top-four spot, not the title, has to be their primary goal this term, having fallen down to seventh with 28 points from 18 games.
However, the Cityzens do at least have a shot of ending the year on a high. Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester may be slightly more exciting than Steve Cooper’s iteration, but they’re surrendering shots at will and only an improvement out of possession will give the Foxes a chance of survival.
They’ve lost three on the bounce and have slipped into the drop zone after their Boxing Day defeat to Liverpool was preceded by Wolves’ 2-0 triumph over Manchester United.
Patson Daka got the nod up top at Anfield with Jamie Vardy absent due to a knock and it remains to be seen whether the former England international will be back in time for City’s visit. Odsonne Edouard is another forward option for Van Nistelrooy if Vardy misses out.
The Foxes have several other significant injury concerns which are bound to hinder the new manager’s ability to develop any momentum at the start of his reign. Goalkeeper Mads Hermansen has been Leicester’s standout performer this term, but he’s currently absent due to a groin injury.
Wilfred Ndidi is nursing a thigh complaint, while Ricardo Pereira and Abdul Fatawu are out for the long haul. Fatawu likely won’t feature until 2025/26 after tearing his ACL.
City were dealt another big blow before Christmas with Ruben Dias sustaining a muscle injury in the Manchester Derby which could rule him out for up to a month.
Guardiola can call upon Nathan Ake after the Dutchman endured a spell out, but he’s still working his way back to full fitness. Ake wasn’t able to complete City’s Boxing Day draw with Everton and his minutes will have to be managed carefully this weekend.
However, with John Stones and Kyle Walker both set to miss out, Guardiola hasn’t got too much choice but to start the Dutch international again on Sunday.
Matheus Nunes and Ederson are dealing with knocks which renders them doubtful for the trip to the King Power, while Rodri and Oscar Bobb are long-term absentees.
