Foxes of Leicester
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Preview: Manchester City Vs Leicester City

By Harneet Singh Sethi

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 03: Jamie Vardy of Leicester City celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Swansea City at The King Power Stadium on February 3, 2018 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
LEICESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 03: Jamie Vardy of Leicester City celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Swansea City at The King Power Stadium on February 3, 2018 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images) /
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The Riyad Mahrez saga over for now, Leicester City can finally look forward to playing some football as they face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

With the Algerian returning back to training with the Foxes after about a couple of weeks’ absence, Claude Puel’s side have received an untimely and unlikely boost, which will surely give the Frenchman a lot to think about.

The 26-year old has been out of action for a while, so to name him in the starting XI would send the wrong message to those who have been grafting during that time. However, Riyad Mahrez is Leicester City’s most talented player by some distance, and his inclusion gives the visitors a better chance to get something at the home of the league leaders, who, by their own unbelievable standards, are in the middle of their worst run of form ( won three of their last six league games).

Manchester City are not as strong at the moment as they would have been without the injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Leroy Sane. They are still capable of sweeping any team away at will, but if anyone were to get a point against them, then this is the best time to do so. Would Puel therefore prefer to drop his ace of spades, Riyad Mahrez? Idealism says yes, pragmatism says no.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – JANUARY 31: Wilfred Ndidi of Leicester City in action during the Premier League match between Everton and Leicester City at Goodison Park on January 31, 2018 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – JANUARY 31: Wilfred Ndidi of Leicester City in action during the Premier League match between Everton and Leicester City at Goodison Park on January 31, 2018 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) /

Main Man

Wilfred Ndidi has been Leicester City’s player of the season so far despite Riyad Mahrez, Jamie Vardy and Harry Maguire shining more often than not. The Nigerian has been at the heart of the Foxes’ upturn following the managerial change, leading the charts in defensive duties.

In a game that Leicester will have to defend a lot in, Ndidi is the man to look up to.

Quotes

"“It’s a good challenge… a fantastic and exciting challenge,” Puel told the media.“We don’t have pressure against this team as they are the favourites.“It’s a good challenge to try something, to try to play our football. Of course, it’s difficult against this team but it’s a good challenge to show if we have improved from our last game against this team.“I think the Premier League game against them was difficult but, perhaps with a sending off [for Vincent Kompany] after three minutes, it would change the game.“The second game in the [Carabao Cup] was a good game until the lottery of penalties. It was a good response and I hope away we can show our progress against this team. I think it’s a fantastic challenge.”"

Next: Liverpool looking to sign Wilfred Ndidi in the summer

Possible XI

Schmeichel; Simpson, Maguire, Dragovic, Fuchs; Ndidi, Silva, Albrighton, Iheanacho, Diabate; Vardy.