With Liverpool away playing in the World Club Cup in Qatar, the teams below them in the Premier League have an opportunity to close the gap.
However, the teams in 2nd and 3rd place will play each other this weekend as Manchester City host Leicester City at the Etihad Stadium. The match will be played on Saturday evening and will be the final Premier League game of the day.
Manchester City know that a failure to pick up maximum points in this game would be a big blow to any chance they still have of retaining their Premier League title. They come into the match having defeated Oxford United away from home in the League Cup quarter final on Wednesday night. That result followed what was an impressive display in the Premier League last weekend as Manchester City defeated Arsenal 3-0 away from home.
Having also defeated Dinamo Zagreb 4-1 away from home in the Champions League, Manchester City have won each of their last three games in all competitions. However, they have found winning games in the Premier League difficult over the past few weeks and have won only 3 of their last 6 matches.
The wins have come over Arsenal and Burnley away plus Chelsea at home. During that run of 6 games there have been defeats at Liverpool and at home against Manchester United which have proved costly. Trends show both teams have scored in 11 of Manchester City's 12 most recent games in all competitions.
Leicester City were also in action on Wednesday night as they travelled to Everton for their League Cup quarter final. Having taken a 2 goal lead in the game Leicester City conceded 2 goals which saw the game go to a penalty shootout. The Foxes came out on top in the penalty shootout to progress to the semi-final.
That result means Leicester City are undefeated in their last 11 games in all competitions, winning 9 and drawing 2 of those matches. They have won 8 and drawn one of their last 9 games in the Premier League but were held to a disappointing draw at home against Norwich City last weekend.
Away form shows 4 straight wins in the Premier League for Leicester City with the victories coming over Southampton, Crystal Palace, Brighton and Aston Villa. Trends show Leicester City have won by 2 or more goals their last 4 away Premier League games and they have scored at least one goal in their last 15 consecutive games in all competitions.
Team news and Manchester City are still without Aymeric Laporte and Leroy Sane. David Silva, John Stones and Sergio Aguero are doubtful although the latter has resumed training.
Leicester City have just one concern as Matthew James returns from a knee injury. The Foxes should be at full strength for this game.
We are set for a very exciting match at the Etihad Stadium which should see both sides score goals. However, if Manchester City perform as they did in the win over Arsenal last weekend it is they who should come out on top.
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