City versus Leicester. Over the last few seasons many would have viewed this game as just any old match; the Foxes likely to play with a defensive mindset and hold on to a valuable point away against a team at the opposite end of the table.
But not this season. To the surprise of many, the Midlands side find themselves top of the pile as the season begins to enter its latter stages and they have already surpassed their points tally for the whole of last season. This means that this weekend’s game is therefore not just ‘any old contest’. It is a huge six-pointer that will more than likely show which team is up for the challenge of winning the league. Should the Foxes emerge victorious, it is entirely in their hands as they surge six points clear of the Blues, but should City spoil the neutral’s party, we find ourselves top on goal difference with only a handful of games left to play.
With the recent news that Pep Guardiola will replace Manuel Pellegrini at the end of this season, the Blues must be adamant on maintaining a solid title push against rivals who are not used to this sort of spotlight. But just what team should the Chilean pick for what is now a huge game in the eyes of everyone connected with both clubs? Here is our predicted XI:
