Game Week 19 Predictions: Manchester City to finally win again

Leicester and Manchester City both face struggles, with City in crisis. Can Guardiola's side redeem themselves against the Foxes at King Power?

Leicester will feel it's a good time to face the champions but can the latter use this fixture to get out of jail? (Photo credit: Opta)

 Leicester City vs. Manchester City

King Power Stadium

3:30 pm

Manchester City is currently experiencing a full-blown crisis, surpassing mere blips and random panics. Despite its value, the Champions must now conduct an internal search; the situation shouldn't be this dire.

Manchester City settled for a 1-1 draw at the Etihad against Everton, the first time Sean Dyche could earn a result against Pep Guardiola in any competition, but beyond that, the Cityzens are now fourteen points off the top of the log and six away from the top four spot. Has it ended for the champions this season?

Leicester City isn’t in a favourable place either; their new manager bounce didn’t last long, as they have now lost three games since picking up four points in Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s first two games. The Foxes are beginning to face reality; they need to gain control.

The goal for the Dutchman at the helm of King Power is to stabilise the club, get them as high as possible this season, and then aim higher next season. In 2016, they won the title, which was unprecedented but must be something fans want again.

This fixture is significant for the two teams; they both need redemption and some respite; however, they both know even the three points won’t be enough to clear the odd weather hovering around them, but it could be a fantastic springboard to safety.

Between these two, they have only one win in their last ten games combined, and it’s not even City who has the win; it was the 3-1 success for Van Nistelrooy on his debut against West Ham. There have also been three draws in total, with two of the games being drawn by the visitors, and the remaining six games have resulted in three losses each. Doom!

Nistelrooy has Conor Coady and Jan Vestergaard as their centre back options, while Wout Faes is sidelined due to an injury, Wilfred Ndidi remains unavailable, and goalkeeper Mads Hermansen is struggling with match fitness and may also miss this game.

Jamie Vardy, who is defying age, has the potential to lead from the front if he overcomes his ankle problem. Meanwhile, Steph Mavdidi and Facundo Buonanotte are poised to trouble the visitors with their pace and trickery.

Stephan Ortega is expected to continue in goal for Manchester City, but one can’t tell who else would make the team with Guardiola tinkering hard in this trying time. Expect both teams to exert maximum effort in this match; they are both facing significant challenges and may choose to disregard caution.

Verdict: A straight win for Manchester City.