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In a match which sees two teams who need a confidence boost, Manchester City play Leicester City Saturday night at King Power Stadium. Last year, Leicester came up with a 3-1 win against City at Etihad Stadium, which propelled the Foxes to their shocking domestic title. Now they sit a mere two points above the relegation zone with a match against a City side trying to bounce back from a 3-1 loss against Chelsea last week, where Fernandinho and Sergio Agüero both saw red for violent conduct.
Here are a few players who could affect this game in one way or another.
Jamie Vardy
The English striker led Leicester to the title in his career best season to date, but the 2016-17 campaign has been quite the opposite. Vardy has not scored once in the Premier League yet this season, and his side sit 16th on the table.
After being offered a deal to join Arsenal this summer, Vardy has not impressed for the Foxes. He needs to bounce back in form to give Leicester a chance at winning the three points.
Kevin de Bruyne
With Sergio Agüero absent as he serves his four-game suspension, De Bruyne is now the top figure in City’s attack against Leicester. The Belgian leads the Premier League in assists with seven, and he is the main creator for scoring chances.
With the pressure on him to deliver, look for De Bruyne to lead City and give them the upper hand in the match. The attacking midfielder is bound to perform at his peak against a shaky Leicester back line.
Daniel Amartey
Leicester’s strong midfield has broken down this season with the departure of N’Golo Kanté and Danny Drinkwater’s three-game suspension. Amartey and Andy King haven’t been able to keep up with their opponents and do not seem to be fit for first division football.
The center midfielder must fill any gaps to prevent the back line from pressure. After a string of dismal performances, Leicester may have their hands full with City’s attack.
Kelechi Iheanacho
The Nigerian striker has not started in the Premier League since September, but he will receive the call to serve in place of the suspended Agüero. Many worried what his impact would be after a dull performance as a substitute against Chelsea, but he silenced doubters midweek after he scored a superb goal in the 1-1 Champions League draw against Celtic.
The striker’s extremely high conversion rate of shots on target to goals should be in effect this match, as City will attempt to dominate possession and attack from wing play and through balls. Expect to see Iheanacho on the scoresheet if City are to win comfortably.