This has been the worst week at the Etihad since Sheikh Mansour took over Manchester City over a decade ago. Last Friday, UEFA ruled that Manchester City would be ineligible to take part in the Champions League for the next two seasons, and that the club would be fined €30 million. That would deal a severe blow to the back-to-back Premier League champions, as they would miss out on the riches of the most prestigious league in club soccer. The Citizens are appealing the decision, but it will be interesting to see how they respond against Leicester City this week.
Don't miss the English Premier League action from King Power Stadium in Leicester, England at 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 22, 2020. Catch every moment of the match live on NBC.
Leicester City +326
Manchester City -132
Draw +304
Over/Under 3
Odds Analysis
Leicester City shot into the top three after an eight-game winning streak that lasted from mid-October to early December, but the Foxes have fallen back down to Earth since that point. They are 3-3-4 in their last ten league matches, yet they are still nine points ahead of Chelsea for third place in the table.
They have only managed to win once in their last five matches, falling to Southampton despite beating them 9-0 in their first clash, and losing to Burnley too. Leicester were able to beat West Ham United 4-1, but the Foxes then drew against both Chelsea and Wolverhampton.
The Citizens stand no chance of winning their third straight Premier League title due to Liverpool’s dominance. However, Manchester City continue to have the most potent attack in the league with 67 goals in 26 matches.
The defending champions are 5-1-1 in their last seven matches, and they moved four points ahead of Leicester City for second place with a 2-0 win over West Ham on Wednesday. That game was originally scheduled to be played on February 9, but it had to be rescheduled due to Storm Ciara.
In the first match between these foes, Leicester City struck the initial blow. Jamie Vardy opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, but the Foxes couldn’t hold the lead. Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan scored just before halftime for Man City, and Gabriel Jesus gave the hosts some breathing room later in a 3-1 win.
Key Injuries
Daniel Amartey and Nampalys Mendy will miss this match due to injury. Amartey has been out since early January with an ankle injury, while Mendy has been sidelined with a knee problem. Hamza Choudhury is suspended after picking up two yellow cards in Leicester’s last match, and Wilfred Ndidi and Matthew James are both questionable to take the pitch.
Leroy Sane will miss this weekend’s match, but he could return as early as next week for Manchester City. Raheem Sterling is unlikely to play due to a hamstring issue, and Pep Guardiola wants to keep Sterling healthy for his club’s midweek Champions League tilt with Real Madrid.
Matchup to Watch
Two of the most dangerous attackers in the Premier League will be out to lead their teams to three points on Saturday. Jamie Vardy leads the league with 17 goals, while Sergio Aguero is one goal behind him in the race for the Golden Boot. Vardy was the catalyst during the Foxes’ winning streak earlier this campaign, notching 11 goals during Leicester’s eight-game winning streak, but he hasn’t found the back of the net in over two months. Aguero has been more consistent, and he has the benefit of playing with the best set-up man in England in Kevin De Bruyne.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
The draw is a great option here. Manchester City are much better in the back line with Aymeric Laporte back on the pitch, and Leicester City have played solid defense this year.
English Premier League Odds: Leicester City 1, Manchester City 1
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