The pressure is growing on Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini
Manchester City are hoping to get their season back on track at home to Leicester City after defeats against Barcelona and Liverpool.
The pressure is growing on City boss Manuel Pellegrini after a dismal week in the Champions League and the Premier League.
Both the Spanish giants in the Champions League round-of-16 first leg and Liverpool in the Premier League exploited space between the lines in Pellegrini’s decision to play a 4-4-2 and it now looks increasingly likely that City will end the season trophyless.
They are five points behind Chelsea in the title race and have played one game more than Jose Mourinho’s men.
Leicester have had over a week’s preparation for this clash as their weekend home match with Chelsea had to be rearranged due to the Capital One Cup final.
Nigel Pearson’s side remain rooted to the bottom of the league but they are only four points from safety despite winning just two of their last 21 league games.
However, the relegation favourites have competed competitively, losing nine games by just a one-goal margin over the course of the season.
Team news
Nigel Pearson has admitted Leicester have a tough test in facing Man City
Man City have a fully-fit squad to choose from but it's likely Pellegrini will make changes from the Liverpool defeat with Wilfried Bony potentially replacing Edin Dzeko in attack.
Pearson has no new injury worries either with only goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel missing as he continues his recovery from a broken foot.
Opta facts
Frank Lampard has already scored more PL goals against Leicester with Man City (one in one game) than he did for Chelsea (none in four).
The Foxes have won all three Premier League away games against the Citizens, keeping three clean sheets in the process.
Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal can catch Man City
Manchester City have kept only six clean sheets in their last 18 Premier League home matches.
Merson’s prediction
City have to win, but I do like Leicester. Nigel Pearson’s side always give it a go and are capable of scoring goals, they showed this at Anfield earlier in the season and nearly got something at the Emirates.
I expect City to win this, but it won’t be easy. They turn up too confident, thinking: “They’re not as good as us, so naturally we’ll win.” It doesn’t work like that. They’ve struggled at home because of their attitude against these lesser sides. I think Leicester have got every chance of staying up, they’ve just been bang out of luck. I don’t see many of the bottom teams winning bar Hull this week, so they’re still in it.
PAUL PREDICTS: 3-2
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