This Saturday, a huge clash awaits in the Premier League, as second-placed Leicester City visit the Etihad to take on third-placed Manchester City.
Last years champions, Manchester City, have not hit the form, and more importantly the consistency, of the prior two seasons in the league. Having already dropped more points this season in 17 match-weeks than the entirety of last season, they have a mountain to climb if they want to win their third league title in a row.
On the other hand, Leicester City are having an exceptional season, especially when comparing where they were this time last year. They are 10 places higher in the league, and 17 points better off than they were last December under Claude Puel. Brendan Rodgers has transformed the club, and it was unexpected that theyd be challenging for a Champions League position, let alone the title. It is yet to be seen if their lack of squad depth and experience will see them drop off.
This tactical analysis will be a preview that will use analysis to look at the tactics that both teams are likely to employ, and key players that can make a difference for each side.
Manchester Citys likely line-up
Pep Guardiola is not known for changing his lineup and initial set-up against most teams in the league, and hes likely to stick to his tried and trusted 4-3-3.
The team, however, has been hit with a multitude of injuries, and many of Guardiolas first-choice players will be unable to participate. Crucial players like Aymeric Laporte and Sergio Agüero are likely to be unfit for the match, which forces Guardiola to turn to his bench options, like Gabriel Jesus and Nicolás Otamendi. Otamendi has especially been overlooked by Guardiola in recent weeks, preferring defensive midfielder, Fernandinho, to partner John Stones over him. But now that Stones is also injured, he is the only other option.
David Silva may also miss the match because of fitness issues, and Guardiola will likely turn to İlkay Gündoğan to replace him alongside Kevin De Bruyne. This may not be a bad thing necessarily, as Gündoğan is much more defensive-minded than David Silva, and with a team like Leicester City, whose attacking threat is one of the best in the league. Having someone like Gündoğan, who will naturally sit a bit deeper, can help neutralise that threat, and ease the pressure off of Manchester Citys already weakened defence.
