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Manchester City vs Leicester City Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction

Date: April 02, 2025 Venue: Etihad Stadium Kickoff Time: 20:45 As the Premier League approaches its conclusion, every match and point becomes crucial for both clubs and their aspirations for next season. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City still have a chance to secure a spot in the Champions League, while Leicester City are battling to escape the relegation zone. If you’re a sports betting fan, be sure to look at the best football betting sites for competitive odds and exciting markets!

Marc Strydom
Marc Strydom

Last Updated: 2025-03-26

Chad Nagel

7 minutes read

FBL-ENG-PR-LEICESTER-MAN CITY

Manchester City's Norwegian striker #09 Erling Haaland (R) celebrates with Manchester City's Brazilian midfielder #26/Getty Images

On April 2nd, at the Etihad Stadium, City fans will expect a dominant performance from the Sky Blues as they host relegation-threatened Leicester City. The international break could not have come at a better time as both clubs look to regroup and rediscover their best form ahead of this encounter.

Pre-Game Odds & Win Probability

  1. HOME: 19/100 (1.19) – 84%

  2. DRAW: 32/5 (7.40) – 13.5%

  3. AWAY: 12/1 (13.00) – 7.7%

    Odds courtesy of Betway, subject to change.

Head-To-Head Record

Last five meetings (Premier League)

  1. 29/12/2024: Leicester 0-2 Man City 

  2. 15/04/2023: Man City 3-1 Leicester

  3. 29/10/2022: Leicester 0-1 Man City

  4. 26/12/2021: Man City 6-3 Leicester

  5. 11/09/2021: Leicester 0-1 Man City

Manchester City Current Form – WLWLD

Manchester City have performed below their usual lofty standards for most of the season. Their current form further justifies their inconsistencies as they have won two games, lost two, and drawn one across the last five league outings. 

It is true and evident that Pep and his men have lost their cutting-edge. A 2-2 draw against Brighton at home and a loss to Nottingham Forest away proved it. These are games that City have made look easy in the past. The 2-0 loss to Liverpool certainly knocked City off their high horse but victories against Newcastle and Tottenham reminded people of their true capabilities. Despite the underwhelming season City has had to this point, they are still a team with undeniable quality and should not be taken lightly.

Key Players To Watch

Erling Haaland: Haaland is known for his imposing physical presence. He uses his height and strength to outmuscle defenders in front of goal and win aerial duels. Despite his size, Haaland is exceptionally fast. His acceleration and top speed make him a constant threat on counterattacks and in open play. The Norwegian is a clinical finisher. He has a knack for finding the back of the net from various positions, whether it's with powerful shots, precise placements or headers.

Omar Marmoush: Marmoush can play in multiple attacking positions, including as a winger on either flank or as a central forward. This flexibility makes him a valuable asset to his team. He has excellent dribbling skills, which allow him to take on defenders and create scoring opportunities. His ability to dribble his way out of tight spaces is another strength he uses often in attack. Marmoush also possesses significant speed, which he uses to exploit defensive gaps by making penetrating runs behind the opposition's backline and has an eye for goal.

Savinho: Savinho is an exceptional dribbler often using his quick feet and agility to take on defenders. His ability to change direction swiftly makes him a difficult player to mark. The Brazilian possesses excellent ball control and technical skills, coupled with his vision and ability to deliver precise passes, making him a valuable playmaker. Savinho also has a good eye for goal. He can score from various positions, especially cutting in from the right side allowing him to unleash his preferred left foot.

Manchester City Team News

Ederson is recovering from an abdominal strain and is a doubt for this fixture. 

City’s defensive options have also been severely impacted, with Manuel Akanji, John Stones and Nathan Ake all out of action. 

Akanji underwent surgery for a muscle injury sustained against Real Madrid, Stones has endured a thigh injury of his own, but Guardiola has ruled out surgery, estimating an eight-to-ten-week recovery period and Ake required foot surgery and is facing a similar recovery timeline. 

Bernardo Silva is facing a fitness concern but could make a comeback in this fixture.

Leicester City Current Form – LLLLL

Leicester City are staring down the barrel of relegation and have been performing extremely poorly. The Foxes are now the first team in Premier League history to lose seven consecutive home games without scoring a goal. This record underlines the struggles they have been experiencing as they sit in 19th position and nine points behind 17th place Wolves.

Furthermore, Leicester has lost 13 of their last 14 matches in the Premier League, and with tough fixtures on the horizon against Manchester City, Newcastle United, Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool to come in their next four, it would be surprising if they took any points at all in the next weeks.

Key Players To Watch

Jamie Vardy: Vardy's playing style is characterised by his pace, which allows him to exploit spaces behind defensive lines. He is a clinical finisher with excellent positioning, often finding himself in the right place at the right time to score. His work rate is exceptional, and he is known for his relentless pressing, making him a constant nuisance for defenders.

Facundo Buonanotte: Buonanotte is known for his versatility, often playing as an attacking midfielder or winger. The Argentine has excellent vision, creativity, and ability to operate between the lines. He has a deft touch and is skilled at unlocking defences with precise passes. His agility and quick decision-making make him a dynamic presence on the field for Leicester. 
 

Jordan Ayew: Ayew is adept at holding up the ball and linking play, making him a valuable asset in build-up situations. He has good dribbling ability and can take on defenders in one-on-one situations. His work rate is commendable, as he often tracks back to help defensively while also being a threat in attacking transitions. 

Leicester City Team News

Thankfully, Ruud van Nistelrooy has a full team to select from that will challenge Manchester City except Ghana international Issahaku Fatawu who is out for the season after suffering an ACL injury.

Predicted Line-Up

  1. Man City: 4-2-3-1
    S. Ortega, R. Lewis, A. Khusanov, R. Dias, J. Gvardiol, N. Gonzalez, İ. Gundogan, Savinho, K. De Bruyne, O. Marmoush, E. Haaland

  2. Leicester City: 3-4-2-1
    M. Hermansen, W. Faes, C. Coady, L. Thomas, J. Justin, W. Ndidi, B. Soumare, V. Kristiansen, P. Daka, B. E. Khannouss, J. Vardy

Suggested Bets

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  1. Man City to Win: The Sky Blues are overwhelming favourites in this fixture and they should prove too strong for the toothless Foxes. Back City to win at 19/100 (1.19) with Betway.

  2. Both Teams To Score (No): Having failed to find the back of the net in the last six league fixtures and coming up against City at home, it’s highly unlikely Leicester get on the scoresheet. Get on at 87/100 (1.87) with Stake.

  3. Man City First Half Handicap (-1.0): City are relentless in attack and with the calibre of players they have at their disposal, coupled with Leicester’s horrendous defensive record, anticipate goals to come from Guardiola’s attacking department. 103/100 (2.030) with Pinnacle.

Value Bets

By engaging in valuable sports betting strategies and tips, you can make wiser bets and reduce the bookmaker’s edge.

  1. Man City To Win By 3 Goals: City will not hold back but rather take advantage of the situation to build up confidence and momentum going into the next fixture. 77/20 (4.85) with 1xBet.

  2. Correct Score – Man City 5-0 Leicester: Manchester City will dominate this fixture from the first whistle and with Leicester’s defensive vulnerabilities, we back them to win this game with an emphatic scoreline. Get on at 14/1 (15) on BetWinner.

  3. Man City To Score A Penalty: Leicester have been extremely poor defensively and having world-class strikers running at their backline, dribbling in tight areas in the box, and exploiting spaces in behind their defensive shape, they could end up conceding a penalty. 3/1 (4) with Pin Up.

Prediction: Manchester City to Win

Manchester City have dominated this fixture in the past and looking at the difference in quality and form, City tick all the boxes leading towards a win. We’re expecting a thumping win for the outgoing Premier League champions. Those looking to place a bet on this match can find competitive odds and offers at top sports betting sites.

Marc Strydom
Marc StrydomSports Writer

Marc Strydom is a dedicated sports lover with a wealth of experience in the sports betting industry, mostly as a Chief Editor of a sports betting publication in South Africa. While Marc’s enthusiasm covers many sports, football and NBA are his favourites. His articles feature on multiple top-rated platforms, covering a wide range of topics.

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