Man City v Leicester: Can the Foxes tighten their grip at the top of the League?

No one thought that this would be a marquee matchup in the Premier League this year. Instead the game on the 6th February will represent 2nd against 1st as the Citizens look to reduce the three point gap that the Foxes hold at the top of the Premiership table. In this article we review its all important aspects:

REVERSE FIXTURE

The reverse Premier League fixture back in December was an enthralling affair, one in which both Kasper Schmeichel and Joe Hart had to be at their best throughout the 90 minutes. It was a game where Sergio Aguero was still trying to find his sharpness after coming back from two spells of injuries. Claudio Ranieri’s side had been coming off a loss to Liverpool but they responded excellently. Defensively his side were solid as N’Golo Kante, Wes Morgan, Robert Huth and Christian Fuchs all frustrated the Citizens. The game ended 0-0 at the King Power Stadium. Ranieri also set up with 5 in midfield, adding in Inler for extra defensive coverage, rather than his usual 4-4-2 formation.

Draw at the Eithad –

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Sergio Aguero & Vincent Kompany

The Argentinian once again showed why, when he is fit, he is arguably Manuel Pellegrini’s most important man in his team’s League Cup Semifinal 2nd leg against Everton. Aguero has now found his stride after injury and scored the winner to take his side through with a brilliant header. He hit the post and most positive things for City came through him. Pellegrini’s captain is also very important to this game. The question is whether he can make it back in time to be fit for this significant encounter but it is doubtful. The Belgian has been a consistent rock since joining the club in 2008 but the last two campaigns have been ones to forget for Vincent Kompany.

• Sergio Aguero has scored 8 goals in his past 9 in all competitions.
• In the 12 games Kompany has been involved in this season, City kept 7 clean sheets. In the 21 other games, City have kept 4.

Jamie Vardy & Riyad Mahrez

Like Aguero, Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez have been as important for their team this season. Out of the 44 goals Leicester have scored this season, 31 of those originate from the dangerous pair (70.4%). They are one of the top two most effective pairings in the league: Vardy (18 goals) has 3 assists whilst Mahrez has a highly respectable 9. Something to note is that Ranieri’s side do not need too many chances to score and make their mark on a game. They have some of the worst passing and possession stats in the Premiership but it is they who sit at its helm and it is City who will be challenging then to get level on points.

• Leicester keep on average 44% possession per game, the third least in the league.
• The Foxes also have the lowest percentage for successful passes (69.7%).
• 8th for key passes delivered.
• Leicester are 14th for shots taken but 5 for shots on target.

Predictions

Much rests on the fitness of City’s captain Vincent Kompany. On the other hand if he does return he will not be match fit. If he can play, combined with the form that Aguero is enjoying, City will likely hold possession and eventually breakdown Leicester. On the contrary Demichelis and Otamendi, City’s centre-back pairing, are not known for their speed and Vardy, Albrighton and Mahrez can certainly take advantage of this. This game will be closely contested and will surely be one brilliant clash for the neutral.