Whatever Leicester have been feeding their stars since the beginning of October has worked wonders, as the Foxes are finally rediscovering their best form, having won back-to-back games against Leeds United and Wolves.
The latter’s frivolity has been on display all season, but there was no such lack of ruthlessness from Leicester when they visited Molineux last weekend, as Youri Tielemans, Harvey Barnes, James Maddison, and Jamie Vardy delivered in a 4-0 romp.
Leicester have eased the pressure on themselves and their manager by taking 10 points from a possible 15 during a period of marked improvement, climbing out of the relegation zone into 17th place – two points clear of the rest of all three sides below the dotted line.
Keeping three consecutive clean sheets is also what the doctor ordered for Leicester ahead of the champions’ visit, and while Rodgers’ side has only conceded two goals this month, the Foxes have not won three consecutive Premier League games since January 2021.
Furthermore, Rodgers’ team is unbeaten at home this month, having taken seven points from a possible nine against Leeds, Nottingham Forest, and Crystal Palace without conceding a goal, and Man City have recent experience being neutralised away from home.
Another day, another missed penalty for Riyad Mahrez, who returns to his old club this week still haunted by his 12-yard nightmares from the Westfalenstadion, as Manchester City settled for a point away to a tenacious Dortmund
After collapsing under a challenge from Emre Can, Mahrez stepped up for his 32nd career penalty in Germany, but he missed for the 10th time as Gregor Kobel guessed correctly, confirming a first-place finish in Group G.
Speaking of first place, Man City could leapfrog leaders Arsenal to the top of the table with a win at the King Power Stadium, with the Gunners’ lead cut to two points last weekend, and Mikel Arteta’s side will not have the chance to respond until they face Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
Pep Guardiola’s side have also gone without a single victory or a single goal in their last three away from home, with doubts about Erling Braut Haaland’s fitness doing them no favours in their bid to end that barren streak.
Last year, Man City defeated Leicester 6-3 on Boxing Day after winning 1-0 at the King Power, and the Foxes’ most recent home win over Man City also occurred on that festive date in 2018.
Betting odds
Man City have been winning at both half time and full time in five of their last seven matches in the Premier League and it may be worth backing that bet to come through again at odds of 1.33.
Even though they are the home side, Leicester is far from favourites to win this context at the King Power. Their odds are far away at 10.50, while the possibility of a draw stands at 6.50.
Some magic, some luck and sheer hard work might be the only way the foxes can get anything out of this!
But never be too sure, the foxes are known for miracles far greater than this.
