Manchester Metropolis embark on their last scheduled fixture of the 2024 calendar 12 months this weekend as they face Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester Metropolis away from residence.
Pep Guardiola and his all-conquering gamers of seasons passed by discover themselves in a torrid run of type throughout competitions, having misplaced 9 of their final 13 matches and profitable only one match throughout that interval.
Only a few of Manchester Metropolis’s gamers are standing out at current, and the Catalan head coach will probably be determined to see a few of his stars which have caused a lot success prior to now carry them out of a troublesome patch.
Final day trip it was yet one more disappointing outcomes because the Premier League champions have been held to a 1-1 draw in opposition to Everton on the Etihad Stadium, with Bernardo Silva’s opener inside quarter-hour cancelled out by Iliman Ndiaye later within the first-half.
As for this weekend’s opponents in Leicester Metropolis, the Foxes discover themselves with out a win in all of their final 4 matches, succumbing to heavy defeats in opposition to Liverpool, Wolves, and Newcastle throughout that point.
Forward of the ultimate contest for Manchester Metropolis in a historic 2024 calendar 12 months, right here is every part you must know forward of the encounter on the King Energy Stadium!
Match Particulars
Leicester Metropolis host Manchester Metropolis on the King Energy Stadium on Sunday 29 December with kick-off scheduled for 14:30 (UK) within the Premier League.
Match Officers
Michael Oliver has been confirmed by the Premier League because the on-field match referee for Manchester Metropolis’s go to to Leicester Metropolis this weekend, with Video Assistant Referee duties appointed to Paul Tierney.
Crew Information
Ruud van Nistelrooy is more likely to count on three of his first-team squad to be confirmed as absentees for this fixture, with Issahaku Fatawu (knee), Jordan Ayew (suspended), and Wilfred Ndidi (thigh) not due again till the New Yr, and the previous not anticipated to make a return till the summer time.
Two names that would make a return for the go to of Manchester Metropolis nonetheless are legendary striker Jamie Vardy following a string of knocks, and Wout Faes, who’s “very uncertain” for Sunday afternoon’s conflict.
Three gamers who’ve a much less clear timeframe on a return however are more likely to even be dominated out of the assembly with Manchester Metropolis are Mads Hermansen (groin), Ricardo Pereira (thigh), and Kasey McAteer (knock).
As for Manchester Metropolis, a number of names are anticipated to stay sidelined for his or her subsequent likelihood at ending a torrid run of type and performances, specifically Rodri (knee), Oscar Bobb (leg), Ruben Dias (muscular), and John Stones (foot).
Those who may come into rivalry, however are more likely to be topic to late assessments following current absences, are Matheus Nunes (unknown), Ederson (niggles), Kyle Walker (sickness), and Jack Grealish (muscular).
Head To Head
Leicester Metropolis and Manchester Metropolis have met a complete of 127 occasions of their long-standing histories, with 64 of these contests leading to victories for the Residents, 31 clashes leading to a draw, and the Foxes rising victorious 32 occasions.
The final time these two sides met on the King Energy Stadium got here again in October 2022, when a single purpose from a shocking Kevin De Bruyne free-kick resulted in a 0-1 away win for Manchester Metropolis en path to yet one more Premier League title and a historic Treble.
Nonetheless, Leicester and Manchester Metropolis have met extra just lately with the latter securing three factors on the Etihad Stadium in a 3-1 win in April 2023, with targets from John Stones and an Erling Haaland brace securing the win.
Statistics
Leicester Metropolis have misplaced 11 of their final 13 Premier League conferences with Manchester Metropolis (W2), whereas they haven’t saved a clear sheet in any of their final 15 in opposition to the Residents (W4 L11).
Manchester Metropolis have gained their final 4 Premier League away video games in opposition to Leicester Metropolis with out conceding a single purpose. Of their league historical past, they’ve by no means gained 5 in a row away in opposition to an opponent whereas preserving a clear sheet every time.
Manchester Metropolis have gained 19 of their final 20 Premier League video games in opposition to promoted sides (D1), together with every of the final 10 in a row. They final had an extended such profitable run between December 2009 and December 2011 (12).
Leicester Metropolis have solely misplaced their last league sport in one of many final 5 calendar years (W3 D1), happening 2-1 at Liverpool in 2022. That is the primary time they’re going through the reigning top-flight champions in such a match since 1974, and 2-0 residence defeat to Leeds United.
Manchester Metropolis have solely misplaced their last league sport in one of many final 23 calendar years (W12 D10), happening 1-0 at Liverpool in 2016.
How To Watch
Leicester Metropolis in opposition to Manchester Metropolis will probably be accessible for viewers in the UK on Sky Sports activities and Sky Sports activities Important Occasion, with BBC Radio Manchester additionally offering stay radio commentary of the conflict.
These in the US can catch each single second of the fixture stay on Peacock.
You will discover for the matchday one encounter within the UEFA Champions League !
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