The Matchday 30 Premier League fixture between Manchester City and Leicester will take place on April 2 at the Etihad Stadium. Manchester City vs. Leicester: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Manchester City
In January, the Citizens had a good run in the league, and it seemed that the club could easily return to the fight for top positions. However, February and March showed that the generational change at the club is taking longer than expected. Last month, Pep Guardiola's team played two Premier League matches: a loss to Nottingham Forest (0-1) and a draw with Brighton (2-2). Despite these setbacks, the team remains in contention for a top-four finish, being only one point behind the top four.
- At least three goals have been scored in 7 of Manchester City's last 10 league matches.
- Two or three goals were scored in the club's last six home Premier League games.
- The Citizens have conceded at home in 6 of their last 7 Premier League matches.
Projected lineup for Manchester City (4-2-3-1)
Stefan Ortega – Rico Lewis, Josko Gvardiol, Abdukodir Khusanov, Ruben Dias – Ilkay Gundogan, Nico Gonzalez – Savio, Jeremy Doku, Omar Marmoush – Erling Haaland.
In the club's infirmary are midfielders Oscar Bobb and Rodri Hernandez, defenders Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, and John Stones. Forward Erling Haaland is also injured and out for the season. Notably, head coach Pep Guardiola will be watching the game from the stands due to yellow card accumulation, with Juanma Lillo taking his place on the touchline.
Leicester
Leicester played their last league match at home but suffered another defeat, losing 0-3 to Manchester United. This marked the team's seventh consecutive home defeat in the Premier League, all with a clean sheet. Such a streak has never happened before in the top division of England. Under Ruud van Nistelrooy, Leicester remains in the relegation zone, trailing the 17th spot by nine points. It's also worth noting that the team ranks 19th in the league for goals scored and conceded.
- The team has lost 8 of their last 9 away Premier League matches.
- The club conceded first in their last 11 Premier League matches.
Projected lineup for Leicester (5-3-2)
Mads Hermansen – James Justin, Victor Kristiansen, Wout Faes, Luke Thomas, Conor Coady – Wilfred Ndidi, Boubakary Soumare, Bilal El Khannous – Jamie Vardy, Patson Daka.
Midfielder Abdul Issaaku is out due to injury.
Referee
Darren England (England)
Matches – 13 (Premier League, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 55;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.2;
Red cards shown – 3;
Average fouls per match – 24;
Penalties – 15%.
Match Prediction: Manchester City vs. Leicester
Under Ruud van Nistelrooy, the visitors have played noticeably worse, losing 13 of their last 14 league matches. Furthermore, the club has simply stopped scoring: in their last nine Premier League games, Leicester has only managed to score against Tottenham.
Given these results, a convincing victory for the Citizens is expected. This is very much needed for the current Manchester City, who have had a disappointing season and by March had almost lost their chances for the title. Notably, the last four encounters between these opponents at the Etihad were very entertaining, with goal exchanges and at least four goals scored. Considering Leicester's current inability to score, I believe the Citizens will surpass this total on their own.
My prediction – Manchester City Individual Total Over 3.5
