Leicester City vs Man City Picks and Predictions: De Bruyne Delivers Another Masterclass

Manchester City travel to Leicester on Saturday on a mission to close the gap on leaders Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table. 

But Pep Guardiola’s men, who are trudging through a jam-packed pre-World Cup fixture list, may enter this showdown without goal-machine Erling Haaland, who picked up a foot injury in the Champions League in midweek.

Meanwhile, this clash presents the sternest of tests for a Leicester side enjoying an October turnaround. The Foxes have edged out of the relegation zone with seven points from their last three games, easing the pressure on Brendan Rodgers.

Check out our Leicester vs. Man City picks and predictions for Saturday, October 29.

Leicester City vs Man City best odds

Leicester City vs Man City picks and predictions

City began October in irresistible form, with 15 goals in three games as they brushed aside Manchester United, FC Copenhagen, and Southampton. But the congested schedule seems to have taken its toll, with sluggish performances in back-to-back goalless draws in Europe and a 1-0 loss to Liverpool earlier this month.

That said, this feels like a good spot for City, who at least looked sharper in last weekend’s 3-1 win over Brighton. Midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne will be back on Saturday after a night off in Dortmund while Jack Grealish should be fresh after a brief cameo off the bench. Bernardo Silva only featured for 45 minutes and could be restored to the starting lineup here.

So, whether it’s Haaland or no Haaland on Saturday, City have the playmakers to pick up a win at the King Power Stadium.

Leicester, full of confidence after three straight clean sheets and back-to-back wins, will be no pushovers. After a disastrous start to the season, the Foxes have come alive in the final third, with thumping 4-0 wins over Nottingham Forest and Wolves this month. Still, it’s tough to see Leicester recreating those performances against a City team that keeps possession so effectively. 

With James Maddison — three goals this month — pressing his case for the England World Cup squad and Harvey Barnes finding his shooting boots, I like the hosts to get on the scoresheet, even if it’s a late consolation goal.

My best bet: Man City to win and both teams to score (+160 at bet365)

Leicester City vs Man City side analysis

Guardiola has the luxury of a deep squad and a rotating cast of attacking midfield options, ensuring the visitors can match Leicester’s energy levels, despite the Foxes having a full week to prepare — and, in De Bruyne, I expect City to have the key difference-maker.

With Haaland a fitness doubt, it’s tempting to lean towards the tasty odds for the draw, especially with Leicester’s attackers in form over the past few weeks. But a closer look at the Foxes’ recent revival reveals a string of bottom-half opponents (Forest, Leeds, Wolves) lacking the quality and organization that City bring.

Rodgers also has some tricky selection headaches to navigate, including whether to restore Jonny Evans at centerback and throw Wilfred Ndidi into such a big game after a hamstring injury.

As for City, their defensive options were boosted by John Stones’ return to action in Dortmund. Aymeric Laporte, being eased back after a knee injury, should solidify the back four next to Rúben Dias after sitting out in midweek.

By their high standards, the goals have somewhat dried up for the visitors in recent weeks, so it’s tough to see City running away with the game on Saturday. But I expect the Premier League champions to be hungry and motivated. City have won the past three meetings and look well placed to extend that run.

Leicester City vs Man City Over/Under analysis

City’s last four games combined have featured a grand total of just five goals — and fatigue may be a factor after a rampant start to October. But this should be an open game with chances at both ends.

I see Leicester employing a disciplined game plan but parking the bus less than most teams do against City. The Foxes have the pace and movement to hurt the visitors on the counterattack and some big targets to seek out at set pieces. Their recent form suggests that taking the game to City is their best path to earning a result.

The last meeting between the teams ended in a 6-3 victory for City in December 2021, just adding to the sense that this won’t be a cagey affair.

If Haaland is cleared to start, the Norwegian is a good bet to add to his tally of 17 Premier League goals and nudge this game towards the Over.

Leicester City vs Man City game info

Leicester City vs Man City key injuries

Leicester City: Jonny Evans CB (Questionable), Wilfred Ndidi CDM (Questionable), Ryan Bertrand LB (Out), Ricardo Pereira RB (Out).
Man City: Joao Cancelo LB (Probable), Erling Haaland ST (Questionable), Kalvin Phillips M (Out), Kyle Walker D (Out).

Leicester City vs Man City recent form

Teams	Last five matches
Leicester City	WWDLW
Man City	WLWWW

Leicester City vs Man City weather

Saturday’s forecast calls for light rain and a gentle breeze in Leicester, with temperatures in the low 60s.

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