Manchester City will look to extend their lead at the top to twelve points when they take on Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
City come off the back of the third international break of the season in impressive form, with an unbeaten record to their name. The Citizens comprehensively beat top six rivals Arsenal 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium two weeks ago, and will be looking to continue their stellar streak as the winter fixtures start to come round.
Former Southampton boss Claude Puel has taken over from the sacked Craig Shakespeare, which has seen the Foxes amass four points from his first two league games. In their previous game, they drew 2-2 with Stoke City at the Bet365 Stadium as they were denied six points from six under new management.
The last time these two teams played was a narrow victory for City at the Etihad Stadium as they won 2-1 to keep up the pace for a third-place finish. When these two sides met at the King Power last time, Leicester embarrassed their opponents in a 4-2 victory over Guardiola’s men. Jamie Vardy scored a hat-trick in a match that the away side lost control of within the opening 10 minutes. City will hoping for an opposite result this time round.
Here is how we think Pep Guardiola will set out his squad for the match.
GK - Ederson
No surprises here with the Brazilian being on excellent form.
RB - Kyle Walker
Walker produced a great performance against Arsenal and will be up against it again when he takes on Demarai Gray down City’s right flank.
CB - John Stones
Stones put in some great performances for England against Germany and Brazil, which is great news for Guardiola and City as it shows how far he has progressed. He will be up against Jamie Vardy, who caused him problems in this fixture last season.
CB - Vincent Kompany
With Otamendi suspended for picking up five yellow cards already this season, the Belgian looks to have come back at the right time. He will look to start alongside Stones.
LB - Fabian Delph
Despite doubts over his fitness, Delph could still start at left-back, where he has performed fantastically since Benjamin Mendy’s unfortunate injury.
CM - Fernandinho
The Brazilian was crucial in ensuring that City took the three points against Arsenal and will look to help his side in consolidating their unbeaten start.
CM - Kevin De Bruyne
The Belgian’s presence in City’s squad strikes fear into the hearts of the opposition, and he will look to do that once again in this game.
CAM - David Silva
Like De Bruyne, Silva’s presence in City’s squad has made him a danger man once again. He has been on immense form for the Citizens and will look to carry that on tomorrow afternoon.
RW - Raheem Sterling
Despite also being a doubt for this game, Sterling look set to start on the right.
LW - Leroy Sane
Leroy had a fantastic October for City and deservedly received his Player of the Month award. He should start on the left tomorrow.
ST - Sergio Aguero
Despite fainting during his previous international game for Argentina, Aguero was on fine form for his country and looked like his usual self again. He will want to prove that even more against the Foxes.