Manchester City vs. Leicester Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips

As the Premier League resumes after the international break, Manchester City takes on Leicester at the Etihad Stadium on 2 April 2025 at 19:45. This match holds significant weight for both teams in their respective battles: City aiming for a top-four spot and Leicester fighting relegation.

Manchester City, currently 5th with 48 points, have seen some setbacks this season but remain within touching distance of the Champions League places. They have recently advanced to the FA Cup semi-finals and will look to build on this momentum with a home win. Erling Haaland’s injury is a blow, but new signing Omar Marmoush is expected to step up after his decisive goal against Bournemouth.

Leicester, in contrast, languishes in 19th place with only 17 points from 29 matches. Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side has struggled defensively, conceding 65 goals, and Mads Hermansen’s efforts in goal have often gone unrewarded. The Foxes have lost their last five games and managed just one win in their last 16 league outings.

Given the form and quality of both sides, our match prediction favors Manchester City to win. The odds reflect this, with City as bookmaker favorites at 1.19. The weather forecast is yet to be determined, but the Etihad promises a charged atmosphere with plenty at stake for both clubs.

Manchester City vs Leicester Prediction & Betting Tip

For this match, our betting tip is to back Manchester City to win. Here’s why:

• Superior squad depth and quality: Despite missing Erling Haaland, Man City’s overall talent pool is deep. Players like Omar Marmoush and Jérémy Doku should step up.
• Consistent dominance: City has consistently beaten Leicester in their recent encounters, scoring first in 100% of their matches against them in the last five seasons.
• Leicester’s struggles: Leicester is in poor form, having lost their last five games and managed only one win in their last 16 league matches. Their defensive vulnerabilities make a surprise result unlikely at the Etihad.

Manchester City vs Leicester Odds

Given the difference in form and standings between Manchester City and Leicester, it’s no surprise that City are the firm favourites. City’s robust squad depth and sustained past performances make them a strong bet. Leicester’s struggles and defensive vulnerabilities make a victory for the visitors a long shot. A draw is also seen as unlikely given Leicester’s recent form, having lost their last five games and only managed one win in their last 16 league matches. Backing a City win seems the safest bet.

Manchester City Team Analysis

Manchester City Recent Performance

Manchester City has had a mixed bag of results with a recent form of WWLDL. They’ve managed to secure 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses in their last five outings.

Despite the inconsistent results, they have scored an average of 1.60 goals per game and kept 1 clean sheet in the last five matches. This recent performance indicates that while City can be effective in attack, they do have vulnerabilities, particularly when it comes to defense.

Manchester City Key Players

When it comes to key players for Manchester City, the spotlight is often on their prolific scorers and playmakers. Normally, Erling Haaland, the top scorer with 21 goals, would be the center of attention. However, with his ankle injury, all eyes will be on new signing Omar Marmoush, who has shown a knack for scoring crucial goals since arriving in January.

Manchester City’s midfield, led by Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gündogan, provides excellent creativity and control. Phil Foden’s versatility in the attack can also make a significant impact.

Expected lineup for Manchester City:

• Goalkeeper: Ederson
• Defenders: Rico Lewis, Abdukodir Khusanov, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol
• Midfielders: Nico González, Ilkay Gündogan, Savinho, Phil Foden, Jérémy Doku
• Forward: Omar Marmoush

The key individual battles will include Marmoush against Leicester’s shaky defense, particularly Conor Coady, who will need to be at his best to contain him.

Manchester City Suspensions & Injuries

Manchester City faces a significant challenge with several key players sidelined due to injuries. This could impact their performance in the crucial match against Leicester City.

The absence of key players like Erling Haaland and Rodri will require Pep Guardiola to adjust his tactics. Omar Marmoush is set to fill in for Haaland, and the midfield will need to step up massively to compensate for Rodri’s defensive stability.

The depth of City’s squad means that while these injuries are a setback, they have the quality to cope. However, it does put additional pressure on players like Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gündogan to perform at their best.

Manchester City Tactics and Formation

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Omar Marmoush, filling in for the injured Erling Haaland
• Midfield Duo: Ilkay Gündogan and Nico González
• Wide Threats: Savinho on the right and Jérémy Doku on the left
• Defensive Line: Rico Lewis, Abdukodir Khusanov, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol
• Keeper: Ederson

Manchester City will aim to dominate possession and control the game’s tempo.
With Omar Marmoush leading the attack, expect quick transitions and high pressing to exploit Leicester’s shaky defense.
Given their superior squad depth, City’s midfielders, particularly Kevin De Bruyne pulling the strings in an advanced role, will be critical.
The key strategy revolves around maintaining constant pressure and capitalizing on Leicester’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in the last quarter of the match, where Leicester tends to concede the most.
Look out for City to exploit the flanks through their dynamic wingers, creating numerous goal-scoring opportunities.

Leicester City Team Analysis

Leicester City Recent Performance

Leicester City has been struggling immensely in their recent fixtures. Without a win in their last five matches, their form has been abysmal. Here’s a snapshot of their dreadful run:

Recent Form: LLLLL
The Foxes’ current performance metrics are troubling; they haven’t secured a clean sheet in their last five games and have struggled to find the net, averaging zero goals in this period. Conceding goals has been a significant issue with a leaky defense that has allowed multiple goals in every recent match.
With the imminent challenge at the Etihad Stadium, Leicester’s form doesn’t inspire much confidence. They’ll need to drastically improve their defensive efforts and find a spark in attack to avoid another disappointing result.

Leicester City Key Players

Expected lineup for Leicester:

• Goalkeeper: Mads Hermansen
• Defenders: Conor Coady, Wout Faes, Luke Thomas
• Midfielders: James Justin, Wilfred Ndidi, Boubakary Soumaré, Victor Kristiansen
• Attacking Midfielders: Bilal El Khannouss, Facundo Buonanotte
• Forward: Jamie Vardy

Jamie Vardy remains the crucial player for Leicester, leading with 7 goals this season. His experience in challenging defenses will be vital against a Manchester City side known for its solid backline.

Wilfred Ndidi will be expected to win the midfield battles and offer some defensive solidity.

The potential key individual battle worth watching is Jamie Vardy versus Ruben Dias, as Vardy’s speed and experience will be tested against City’s defensive giant.

Leicester City Suspensions & Injuries

Leicester City is facing significant injury concerns that could impact their performance against Manchester City. Issahaku Fatawu is out with a long-term cruciate ligament injury, adding to the team’s defensive woes. Forward Odsonne Edouard and defender Ricardo Pereira are also doubtful, leaving manager Ruud van Nistelrooy with limited options at both ends of the pitch.

These absences will likely force Leicester to rely heavily on their reserve players and could make their uphill battle against a strong Manchester City side even more difficult. Expect Wilfred Ndidi and Jamie Vardy to take on additional responsibilities to compensate for these crucial gaps.

Leicester City Tactics and Formation

Leicester’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Jamie Vardy
• Midfield Core: Wilfred Ndidi, Boubakary Soumaré
• Defensive Structure: Conor Coady, Wout Faes, Luke Thomas
• Notable Strategy: Leicester tend to score most of their goals in the 76-90 and 61-75-minute intervals.

Expect manager Ruud van Nistelrooy to implement a cautious approach given their position in the league and their recent poor form.
With Leicester’s struggles, they’ll likely aim to sit deep and counter through Jamie Vardy’s pace. Their defense will be put to the test, especially against Man City’s potent attack. Midfielders Ndidi and Soumaré will focus on breaking up play and shielding the backline, while Bilal El Khannouss and Facundo Buonanotte provide support in attack.

Manchester City vs Leicester City Head-to-Head Statistics

Manchester City have dominated their recent meetings with Leicester City, winning all five of their last encounters. In those matches, Manchester City have consistently found ways to break down Leicester’s defence, scoring a total of 13 goals and conceding just 4. Leicester haven’t been able to secure even a single point in these contests, which doesn’t bode well for their confidence heading into this fixture at the Etihad Stadium. Despite playing at home or away, Manchester City have shown clear superiority, maintaining an undefeated run against Leicester over these five games.

Odds accurate as of 31.03.2025 19:47, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.