Manchester City look to close gap on top two as they host Leicester City

Manchester City can reduce the gap between themselves and second-placed Leicester City if they are victorious on Saturday.

The Citizens would have to end Leicester’s nine-match unbeaten run to reduce the deficit to one point.

Liverpool’s non-feature this weekend means both sides can close the gap on Jurgen Klopp’s table-topping side.

A win for Brendan Rodgers’ side would leave Liverpool seven points clear ahead of the two sides’ huge Boxing Day clash at King Power Stadium.

Team news

Pep Guardiola provided an update on the injuries to Sergio Aguero (thigh) and David Silva (leg) ahead of City’s trip to Leicester.

The duo’s fitness was not good enough to feature in the Carabao Cup victory over Oxford United on Wednesday, but they could be considered for the weekend.

Leroy Sane (ACL) remains a long-term absentee, but he is slowly returning to fitness having stepped up his recovery this week.

Leicester City’s only absentee is likely to be Matthew James (calf).

From the dugouts

Speaking ahead of his side’s trip to King Power Stadium, Pep Guardiola said:

“They [Leicester City] did really well last season when he took over the team. This season they are so consistent, they have an excellent team.

Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers, added:

“It’s a game we’re really, really looking forward to. We respect that we’re playing a top-class team, but it’s a great opportunity to show our qualities.

“They [Manchester City] have an incredible manager who has really developed them over the past few seasons. We know the task ahead of us.