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| Jamie Vardy celebrates giving Leicester an early lead. Photograph: Darren Staples/Reuters |
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Leicester City host Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday, 10 December, as the Foxes look to get their title defence back on track. Claudio Ranieri's men have been in woeful form in the league, winning only one of their last nine games in the competition, including none in their last five games.
Leicester will be looking to throw a marker on the league with an impressive showing against City, who come into the game on the back of a 3-1 loss to leaders Chelsea in the league, having taken the lead in the first half. The defending Champions have prioritised Europe over domestic competitions this season and currently find themselves in 16th spot, only two points above the drop zone.
Should Leicester lose today and other results go against them, they could find themselves in a battle to stay in the league come the end of the season. Meanwhile, in Europe, despite their 5-0 loss to FC Porto in the last group game, where they made 10 changes, they have qualified to the knockouts while topping their group and will be hoping for a relatively easy opponent in their quest to the next round.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema rested for Deportivo
Meanwhile, City come into the game without three crucial players in the form of Nicolas Otamendi, Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho through suspensions. All three were suspended following the game against Chelsea, with Aguero handed a four game ban, while Fernandinho was also suspended for three games following his spite with Cesc Fabregas.
Pep Guardiola will be buoyed by their brilliant away form, having won six of their seven games away from the Etihad, the best record in the division. Kelechi Iheanacho will lead the attack in the absence of Aguero, with the youngster scoring five goals in the last five games where the Argentine was absent.
What Managers Say
Claudio Ranieri told the club website: "Now, it's important to reflect about everything. The next match is more important now. We have a range of matches where it is important to take points. I was waiting for a period like this. Now it's important to react with a big effort together from the team. That is my focus now. We have to be focused on these matches until Christmas Day. We have to get points. We need points and we have to fight. This part of the season is our key moment. I think every match gives us an opportunity. We have to fight. I repeat, we have to fight."
Pep Guardiola told the club website: "I am confident when I see the team play better and better every day and play like I want. I want to feel and enjoy seeing my team play. After the results, we can make the sentence. I want to feel something. I don't feel anything for numbers – yes, results give confidence for the future – but I want to see [performances]. It is difficult here with many circumstances but I will try again and again to make the team better."
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