Match Preview: Manchester City vs Leicester City

Manchester City 1st (30-2-4) vs Leicester City 9th (15-6-15)

Monday 3PM ET on NBCSN

Liverpool kept us the pressure with a late win over Newcastle, so Manchester City need to come away with a win to stay top. Leicester won’t lie down that easy, partially due to Brendan Rodgers past with Liverpool and Leicester’s outside shot at still getting into Europe.

The Opposition

Manchester City have won every league game since February and would make in lucky number 13 should they defeat Leicester. That haul of 36 points currently has them top by one point and on course to finish with 98 points. Liverpool can only squeeze a max of 97 points from their campaign, which at one point saw Tottenham as the third horse in this race. Where have I heard that before?

Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images

I’m officially dubbing this match henceforth as the Derby della Riyad. While Mahrez may not be in the starting lineup, if things aren’t going City’s way I fully expect him to come off the bench with a chip on his shoulder. He’s been in the press recently about how he’s upset with his amount of playing time, which is just too funny if you ask any Leicester fan anywhere.

The Foxes

Absolutely destroying Arsenal was the best way to wake up on a Sunday. Can we just sign Youri Tielemans please and be done with it? I don’t think I can handle a whole summer in anticipation of this signing. I don’t think he’ll go anywhere else or will want to go somewhere other than Leicester. When your teammates post on social media about wanting you to stay, you know you’re in a place where you’re loved and appreciated. The money also isn’t half bad either here, and did I mention the perks you get winning a title? It’s worth hanging around, Youri!

The Prediction

Leicester escape with a 2-1 victory. I think both City and Liverpool lose this weekend. These are absolutely tricky fixtures for both sides and both are on quality form. James Maddison and Jamie Vardy will end up on the score sheet.