Danilo also starts a Premier League game for only the second time this campaign.
The third change is Sergio Aguero’s promotion from the bench, with Gabriel Jesus out with a slight knock and Fernandinho remains side-lined..
David Silva makes a welcome return on the bench.
READ: Leicester v City: Talking Points
LIVE: Leicester v City: Matchday Centre
Team
Ederson, Danilo, Stones, Laporte, Delph, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Sane, Sterling, Aguero (c)
Subs: Muric, Foden, Otamendi, Walker, Mahrez, D Silva, Zinchenko
Formation: 4-3-3
The Blues are once again without the influential Fernandinho, so expect Ilkay Gundogan take over the Brazilian’s holding midfield role this afternoon.
De Bruyne and Bernardo will complete the trio behind forwards Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane and Aguero.
Danilo will replace Kyle Walker at right-back.
Gundogan’s role will be pivotal. The German has played there a number of times and always done well in Ferna’s absence.
Blues need fillip
Three points is vital for City today.
Yes, it is only December and yes, we are only halfway through the campaign – but City can’t allow Liverpool to build too great a gap at the top.
Moreover, City could slip to third in the table if Pep’s men were to leave the King Power Stadium with nothing this afternoon and Tottenham beat Bournemouth.
Liverpool host Newcastle at 3pm today with Chelsea and Arsenal playing fixtures later today.
With games coming thick and fast over the festive period, the picture could change at the top of the table markedly in the next 10 days or so.
Leicester City team:
🚨 Unchanged! 🚨#LeiMci pic.twitter.com/4xsfihXJrF
— Leicester City (@LCFC) December 26, 2018
Milestones, stats and more
City have won eight of our last 10 Boxing Day fixtures and haven’t lost on this day since 2012.
The Blues are looking for only a second clean sheet in nine Premier League games.
The Foxes have won just two of the last 16 matches against the Blues (all comps)
Sergio Aguero remains two goals shy of 250 career goals.
