By Ian King
Metropolis’s notoriously dangerous run
Manchester Metropolis have been as insipid as they’ve been at any stage over the past two months on Boxing Day, extending their dangerous run to 1 win in 13. A slide is gathering tempo. One level and aim distinction separate them from ninth place. They’re as removed from Liverpool (1st) as they’re from Crystal Palace (sixteenth).
Leicester, in the meantime, don’t seem to have appreciably improved below Ruud van Nistelrooy, with their defence an ongoing difficulty. They’ve solely saved one clear sheet all season, and that was in the beginning of October. Defeat within the fog at Liverpool on Boxing Night time was their third in a row, with ten targets conceded.
Pointers from historical past
Leicester’s 3-1 win at Manchester Metropolis in February 2016 actually despatched out the message that the eventual fairytale champions actually had a head of steam increase. However latest type has been patchier. Leicester’s final win towards them got here within the 2021 Group Defend at Wembley. Manchester Metropolis have gained all 4 of their conferences since.
Key gamers
Questions are beginning to be requested of Erling Haaland, who’s scored simply 4 targets all through this 13 sport run. He’s missed half as many penalties as he’s scored, and whereas a lot has been manufactured from the lack of Rodri since his season-ending damage, it has felt at occasions as if Haaland has been simply as absent, and he’s been on the pitch. Is it merely a provide difficulty? Is it fatigue? One thing isn’t going in response to plan.
For Leicester, the important thing query is how far more can they wring out of Jamie Vardy, who’s now a fortnight off his thirty eighth birthday but nonetheless taking part in with the vitality of a person who runs on pure taurine alone. With six League targets already this season however with Leicester’s defence one of many division’s most porous, they want him match and scoring greater than ever.
Crew Information
Manchester Metropolis carry the identical long-term losses, although there have been no recent accidents from the Everton match. Jack Grealish and Kyle Walker missed that one and will return, as may Kevin de Bruyne from the beginning. Jamie Vardy ought to return for Leicester after lacking their journey to Anfield. Facundo Buonanotte and Harry Winks can also return.
Prediction
There’s been little to recommend that Leicester have been considerably revitalised by their new supervisor but, regardless of taking the lead at Anfield and holding it till first half stoppage-time. However for Manchester Metropolis, this stays a check. All through their latest poor run, there’s been an expectation that they’ll simply click on again into gear and all this will probably be forgotten, however there have been few indicators of this but, and it’s beginning to really feel as if the rot could run deeper than accidents alone. We’ve been ready for them to backside out, nevertheless it hasn’t come but. Within the expectation that this can’t go on perpetually, I’m going Metropolis to nick this 2-1, giving Pep Guardiola a win on what’s the event of the his five hundredth sport in command of the membership.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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