If you haven’t been keeping an eye on Manchester City’s recent matches, you might have missed the growing sense of unease that’s been enveloping the squad. As their disappointing streak drags on, it’s clear this team, which previously secured four consecutive titles, is now bracing for mishaps, lacking the decisive finishing that once defined them.
Match Info
- Premier League Matchday 19 of 38
- Sunday 29th December 2024 19:30 EST / 14:30 GMT
- King Power Stadium
The pattern persisted on Boxing Day; Manchester City seized an early lead with a golden opportunity to solidify their dominance in the game. Bernardo Silva’s miss was swiftly followed by an Everton equaliser, and when Erling Haaland later missed a penalty, it condemned City to a dismal record of just one win in their last 13 outings across all competitions.
Away form has been particularly troubling, but an upcoming match against Leicester City offers a glimmer of hope for Pep Guardiola’s men to turn the tide. Like Guardiola, Leicester’s Ruud van Nistelrooy is approaching a crucial transfer window, looking to elevate his squad’s dynamics after the initial uplift from his appointment has faded. Leicester’s recent form has been worrisome, highlighted by a 0-3 thrashing at the hands of Wolves at the King Power Stadium and a streak of three consecutive Premier League losses during which they’ve conceded ten goals.
Despite the odds, this could be a match where Manchester City finds their footing. The form book might make it hard to back City confidently, given their recent knack for relinquishing advantageous positions in a manner uncharacteristic of their past prowess. It raises questions about whether external distractions are playing a part. However, Manchester City remains a side capable of creating scoring opportunities, and they’re likely to do so against Leicester.
The hosts will miss Jordan Ayew and possibly Jamie Vardy, weakening their counterattacking threat. This could make it difficult for them to sustain the momentum needed to upset the defending champions. Betting on Manchester City might feel precarious currently, yet they are perhaps on the cusp of delivering a decisive victory. Facing a vulnerable Leicester in the early Sunday kickoff, The Foxes might just find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Leicester City
Leicester City kicked off their Boxing Day clash at Anfield with an early lead, striking the woodwork multiple times before Liverpool ultimately seized control and secured a commanding victory. Despite the loss, Ruud van Nistelrooy can take some solace from the resilience and determination his team displayed, although he acknowledges the need for enhanced quality, hinting at a potentially busy January transfer window to bolster the squad’s survival chances in the Premier League.
Recent results have seen Leicester slide into the relegation zone, but they have a chance to climb out in their next match, where a win could propel them above their Midlands rivals, Wolves. Their home record at the King Power Stadium stands at a mixed 2-3-4 this season, with 11 goals scored and 15 conceded.
The recent form has been troubling for Leicester, who haven’t secured a win in their last four Premier League outings, enduring three consecutive defeats. This spell includes a disheartening 0-3 loss to Wolves in their last home game—a stark contrast to their initially unbeaten home start under van Nistelrooy.
Complicating matters, Leicester will be without Jordan Ayew, who is suspended following his goal-scoring performance on Boxing Day. Additionally, key players Wout Faes, Wilfred Ndidi, and Jamie Vardy are all carrying injuries, casting doubt on their availability for what will be the year’s final fixture. This leaves Leicester facing a crucial test as they aim to end the year outside the drop zone and position themselves for a stronger second half of the season.
Manchester City
A few weeks back, Bernardo Silva openly criticised his teammates for letting Manchester United claw back into the derby—a match where Silva himself was not without fault. Despite scoring the opener against Everton, Silva squandered a critical chance just before Everton equalised, symbolising Manchester City’s ongoing struggles.
The situation was compounded when Erling Haaland missed a crucial penalty in the second half, leaving Manchester City marooned in 7th place in the Premier League, increasingly detached from the top four. With only one win from their last 13 matches in all competitions and a concerning streak of seven losses in their last eight away games, Pep Guardiola’s side is in dire need of a turnaround. Their most recent away game ended in a 2-1 defeat at Villa Park.
Amid this slump, Guardiola is eyeing January reinforcements to revive his squad. Despite their form, City are considered favourites in their upcoming match, boasting an away record of 3-2-4 in the league. However, their lineup will be compromised by key absences due to injury and illness, with Ederson, Ruben Dias, and Jack Grealish all sidelined. Kyle Walker remains a doubt, but Nathan Ake is gearing up to make a significant contribution, hoping to stem the tide and inject some much-needed stability into the team.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Manchester City to win
Based on the recent form and challenges outlined, Manchester City is clearly facing a tough period with key players missing and a notable gap from the top four. However, despite their struggles and a poor away record, they still possess a deep squad and quality in key positions, suggesting they could still perform well under pressure.
Given the critical need for a win to regain confidence and momentum, and considering the resilience and talent within the squad, I would cautiously predict Manchester City to secure a narrow victory in their upcoming match. Their ability to create chances, even in difficult times, combined with the urgency to address their current standings, might just give them the edge they need to overcome their recent slump.
America Bet Score Prediction
Leicester City 1 – 2 Manchester City
Given Manchester City’s ability to score despite their recent struggles, coupled with the vulnerabilities in their defensive lineup due to injuries, a high-scoring game could be on the cards. I would predict a 2-1 victory for Manchester City. This reflects their offensive capabilities and the potential for defensive gaps on both sides, with City possibly just edging out their opponents based on their overall quality and depth.
First Goalscorer & Anytime Goalscorer Prediction
First Goalscorer – Erling Haaland
Anytime Goalscorer – Bernado Silva
For the first goal scorer, considering his scoring record and ability to find the back of the net in crucial moments, Erling Haaland would be a solid prediction for Manchester City. He’s been a key player for them, and despite the recent miss from the penalty spot as mentioned earlier, his ability to bounce back in the next game could be significant.
As for an anytime goal scorer, considering he might be looking to make amends for previous mishaps, Bernardo Silva is a good choice. Silva’s involvement in key plays and his knack for getting into scoring positions could see him finding the goal at any point during the match.
These choices hinge on both players’ track records and pivotal roles within the team, making them strong candidates for these predictions.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Manchester City to win.
- Over 2.5 goals total.
- Erling Haaland to score first.
- Bernardo Silva to score anytime.
- Both teams to score.
- Manchester City to win 2-1.
- Manchester City to score in both halves.
- Manchester City to have more than 5.5 corners.
- Total yellow cards over 3.5.
- Manchester City to receive the first card of the match.
