Two of the Premier League's title contenders meet in a six-pointer at the King Power Stadium on Monday, with Leicester City hosting Manchester City. Heading into this match, the Foxes have been knocked off their top spot by Arsenal's 2-0 win over Bournemouth. But should they bounce back from their narrow Boxing Day defeat to Liverpool with a win here, Claudio Ranieri's side would move back to the summit.
Manchester City vs. Leicester City 2015 live stream: Game time, TV schedule and how to watch online
A win at home to Manchester City on Tuesday would move Leicester back to the Premier League summit.
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Unfortunately, that’s rather easier said than done. City may have been peculiarly inconsistent so far this season, but Manuel Pellegrini’s side remain one of the most potent in the league. Their attack is particularly fearsome, and against a top-heavy Leicester team, they’ll certainly be expecting to find the back of the net. Depending on how well Leicester manage to exploit City’s own weakness at the back, this could be a high-scoring encounter.
Key player: Sergio Agüero (Manchester City)
If it wasn’t for his unfortunate tendency to pick up regular injuries, City forward Sergio Agüero could well claim to be the best pure striker on the planet. In the 11 Premier League appearances he’s made so far this season he’s scored seven goals, and netted 19 in 19 for club and country. He’s a slippery dribbler and incredible finisher, making him a nightmare for opposition defenders. He could well make the difference on Tuesday.
Key matchup: Riyad Mahrez vs. Gaël Clichy
Leicester have a fierce attack of their own, with their key player arguably winger Riyad Mahrez. He's been more instrumental to the Foxes' all-round play so far this season than his headline-grabbing teammate Jamie Vardy, and he'll look to chip in again when he goes up against City's defensively-suspect left-back Gaël Clichy. There could be fireworks.
Leicester City injuries and suspensions
Out: Jeffrey Schlupp (hamstring). In doubt: Danny Drinkwater (hamstring); Matty James (knee).
Manchester City injuries and suspensions
Out: Samir Nasri (leg); Vincent Kompany (calf). In doubt: Sergio Agüero (knock).
Leicester’s only certain absentee is winger Schlupp, who is continuing to recover from a hamstring problem. However, midfielders Drinkwater and James are both doubtful, with the latter almost certain to miss out as he builds up fitness in the aftermath of a long ACL layoff.
City, meanwhile, will be without both Nasri and Kompany. The latter made his return to the City captaincy in the win over Sunderland, only to be forced off with a recurrence of the calf problem that had recently kept him on the sidelines. Star striker Agüero should return to action, having only missed their Boxing Day fixture with a slight knock.
Match date/time: Tues., Dec. 29, 2:45 p.m. ET, 7:45 p.m. local
Venue: King Power Stadium, Leicester, England
TV: NBCSN (US); Sportsnet World (Canada); BT Sport 1 (UK)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (US), Sportsnet World Now (Canada); BT Sport Live Streaming (UK)
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