90min

Manchester City predicted lineup vs Leicester - Premier League

By Matt O'Connor-Simpson

City beat Arsenal 5-0 last time out
City beat Arsenal 5-0 last time out / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
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Manchester City will be looking to secure their third Premier League win on the bounce when they travel to the King Power Stadium to take on Leicester this Saturday.

The Cityzens' record against their opponents is not the best, which they look to improve amid a goalkeeping selection crisis.

Despite that, they are still clear favourites for the contest. This is the starting XI that Pep Guardiola will be hoping can live up to expectations on Saturday.

1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Scott Carson
Is Scott Carson up to the challenge? / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

Scott Carson (GK) - With Ederson set to be suspended by FIFA following a dispute with the Brazilian FA and Zack Steffen testing positive for Covid-19, 36-year-old Carson is set to dust off his gloves this weekend. He made one appearance last season, conceding three goals against Newcastle - although he did save a penalty.

Kyle Walker (RB) - Fresh from international duty with England, Walker should continue at right-back. He has made a strong start to the season but faces a tough test keeping Harvey Barnes quiet on Saturday.

Ruben Dias (CB) - Last season's FWA Player of the Year has been ever present in the City side since signing last summer. Although his centre-back partner will change throughout the campaign his place in the side is pretty much guaranteed.

John Stones (CB) - Aymeric Laporte has performed well this season but after being taken off due to "fatigue" while on international duty, it is the perfect time for Stones to return to the starting XI.

Joao Cancelo (LB) - Oleksandr Zinchenko will be eager to wrestle the left-back spot away from Cancelo as the season progresses. For now though, he should be safe.

2. Midfielders

Kevin De Bruyne, Davinson Sánchez
De Bruyne should be back for the Leicester game / Visionhaus/Getty Images

Rodri (DM) - Fans do not always notice Rodri but he gets through an extraordinary amount of work for the team. Stifling Youri Tielemans will be his primary objective on Saturday.

Ilkay Gundogan (CM) - After producing his best ever season in a City shirt last time out, Gundogan has continued his impressive performances at the start of this campaign, already bagging his first goal of the season. Bernardo Silva will be pushing hard for a place but the German adds greater balance to the midfield.

Kevin De Bruyne (CM) - After struggling with injuries at the start of the season De Bruyne should be back in contention for the Leicester game. We expect Guardiola to get him back in the starting XI at the first opportunity.

3. Forwards

Jack Grealish
Grealish had already registered his first City goal and assist / Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

Raheem Sterling (RW) - Gabriel Jesus' emergence as a right forward has been a revelation in recent weeks but as he is set to be suspended, Sterling should be restored to the lineup. Riyad Mahrez is another option and it is a coin toss to predict which one of the stars will start.

Ferran Torres (ST) - City are hopeful that Torres has the potential to develop into a top level centre-forward. If he does, they will not need to splash the cash on a striker next summer.

Jack Grealish (LW) - Grealish had an enjoyable afternoon against Arsenal, assisting Jesus for City's third goal in a 5-0 win. After impressing on England duty he should retain his place in the side, despite Phil Foden being back in contention.

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