Ahead of one of the most attractive games of the season, there’s high praise for Raheem Sterling from Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers, we look at pundits’ predictions for the clash while there is speculation about Pep Guardiola’s possible line-up.
All that as well as the latest slice of transfer gossip – so plenty to tuck into to help get you into the Christmas spirit...
News
sportsmole.co.uk – Rodgers heaps praise on world class Sterling
Following his appointment as Liverpool boss in June 2012, Leicester chief Brendan Rodgers helped a then 17-year-old Raheem Sterling blossom before he was sold for £44million three years later to City.
READ: Guardiola on how Mahrez has excelled
WATCH: Leicester quality no surprise, says Guardiola
The paths of Rodgers and Sterling again cross on Saturday when second-placed Leicester take on third-placed City at the Etihad Stadium, with both sides needing victory to close the gap to leaders Liverpool while they are in action in the Club World Cup.
Appreciating the player Sterling has become, Rodgers said: “Raheem was always a joy to work with. He was a very young player who had clear ambitions, but he backed that up with his work.
“When we put him into the team he played with such intensity, such drive and quality, and there were lots of positions he played in for me because he was so versatile, such an incredible young footballer.
“But he always had the hunger to learn, and when he left to go to Manchester City, you could see that hunger to improve.”
“Under City boss Pep Guardiola, Rodgers recognises Sterling has now become one of the game’s top stars.
“With Pep’s coaching he has developed into a consistently world-class operator, and he will believe himself there is still a lot more to come,” added Rodgers.
“Off the field, he was a great boy, and he always stood up for what he believed in as well, off the pitch and on it.
“It’s been fantastic to see his development from a young player at 17 into a world-class talent.
“And people will tell you he is still the same, a humble young guy who is not frightened to work, and has this amazing talent that he works at.”
Predictions
skysports – Charlie Nicholas’s prediction
“I do not think Manchester City have given up, but they cannot talk about the title challenge as it is of no relevance to them right now. If they can beat Leicester and reduce the gap to 11 points with Liverpool still to play their game in hand, it will be intriguing.
“If Liverpool then go to Leicester and lose, that gap then goes down to eight points and suddenly the difference is very similar to what it was last season.
“What do these teams have to lose? I think City will finish in top two and Leicester will end up third.
READ: Mendy: ‘The night that made me want to join City’
WATCH: Mahrez and Sterling’s table tennis challenge
“This is the ultimate test for Rodgers as he will want to play and showcase his style more so than normal. I genuinely think, with what we saw Man City do to Arsenal, they may have got the fire back in their belly.
Prediction: 3-1
BBC – Mark Lawrenson’s prediction
“Manchester United exposed Manchester City’s defensive flaws with their fast counter-attacks that helped them win the derby at the start of December.
“Can Leicester do the same? Well, United had Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Daniel James running at City - with the Foxes, it is really just Jamie Vardy who does that.
“In any case, Manchester City will surely be ready for that approach this time, and I am expecting them to win.
“If that happens, that is the end of Leicester’s title hopes, and it would take the heat off Liverpool ahead of their trip to King Power Stadium on 26 December.
“I think the leaders would also be happy if this game ended in a draw - only a Foxes win would give the Liverpool some cause for concern.
Prediction: 2-0
Betvictor.com – Michael Owen’s prediction
“Leicester’s eight-game winning league run came to a halt against Norwich at the King Power on Saturday, and I think the champions will follow up their impressive win at Arsenal on Sunday when third entertain second at the Etihad.
“Kevin de Bruyne’s display at the Emirates was world-class – irrespective of the current form and confidence of the opposition – and his continued fitness will be paramount for Pep Guardiola’s side as they chase silverware on four fronts in the second half of the season.
Prediction: City to win and both teams to score
Team news
express.co.uk - Guardiola weighs up Aguero decison
“City boss Guardiola has a big decision to make regarding the fitness of Sergio Aguero when City continue their Premier League campaign against Leicester. The Argentine striker returned to training at the start of the week but it remains to be seen whether he will replace Gabriel Jesus in the starting XI.
“Jesus has stepped up in his absence, scoring five goals in seven appearances including a hat-trick against Dinamo Zagreb.
“John Stones also returned to training this week, but the England internationally is unlikely to immediately replace Nicolas Oatmendi in central defence.
READ: Premier League fixture changes confirmed
WATCH: Nick Cushing on managing Foden and Co at Under 9 level
“David Silva is nursing a knock sustained during the derby defeat to Manchester United and is not expected to play against Leicester.
“Phil Foden has started the past three matches in Silva’s absence but Ilkay Gundogan could return to the first XI for such a high-profile clash.
Transfer news
sportwitness.co.uk – ‘City and Real look into Marquinhos move’
“Despite a desperate need for a new centre-back for the second half of the season, Pep Guardiola, or maybe it’s Manchester City as a whole, seem reluctant to do any business in January.
“The Spanish manager has said as much in press conferences, and yet that hasn’t stopped members of the European media linking the Premier League champions with a number of players.
“Le10 Sport are the latest, claiming Manchester City and Real Madrid have reached out to contact the agent of Marquinhos, currently contracted at Paris Saint-Germain.
“The reason behind this move is the Brazilian has yet to sign a new deal with the French side, having failed to agree on a new wage, and this uncertainty about his future in the capital has caused the two clubs to try and find out more about his situation and desires.
“For now, however, his priority is to remain in Paris, but we all know how enticing it can be to potentially play under either Zinedine Zidane or Pep Guardiola.”
