Leicester City are feeling the effects of a relentless fixture schedule over Christmas, with a tough home clash against Manchester City up next.
Leicester City lost 3-1 to Liverpool on Boxing Day, dealing their hopes of Premier League survival a huge blow.
This result and Wolves claiming a 2-0 victory over Manchester United saw Leicester drop into the relegation zone.
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s men now face a tough test against Manchester City at the King Power Stadium, although Pep Guardiola’s side have only won one of their last 13 matches.
Ahead of this huge clash, the Leicester manager will be hoping to have most of his first-team stars fit and ready as he addressed the media following the loss to Liverpool.
Leicester City team and injury news ahead of Manchester City
In the final game of 2024, van Nistelrooy has several players sidelined, including long-term absentees Abdul Fatawu and Ricardo Pereira.
The Dutchman is also set to be without midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, winger Kasey McAteer and goalkeeper Mads Hermansen for the visit of the champions.
Jakub Stolarczyk started in place of Hermansen against the Reds and the Polish shot-stopper did a decent job between the sticks, rarely putting a foot wrong.
Van Nistelrooy did pick up a fresh injury concern on Thursday as Wout Faes missed out on the matchday squad at Anfield after suffering a knock in the defeat to Wolves.
More importantly, though, van Nistelrooy is hopeful of Jamie Vardy’s return against Man City. The Englishman missed the trip to Liverpool with a minor problem.
Patson Daka was then poor in Vardy’s absence, with supporters no doubt hoping the 37-year-old is fit to start on Sunday.
Leicester City predicted lineup vs Manchester City
Van Nistelrooy has a number of injuries to contend with but also a suspension. Jordan Ayew, who scored against Liverpool, picked up his fifth yellow card of the season and will miss this weekend’s clash.
It means that Brighton loanee Facundo Buonanotte should return to the starting XI, operating on the right flank alongside the Moroccan Bilal El Khannouss.
As for the rest of the starting XI, Conor Coady could be rested on Sunday with Caleb Okoli partnering Jannik Vestergaard in defence.
Meanwhile, James Justin was poor against Liverpool however, van Nistelrooy has limited options to replace him, unless he starts Hamza Choudhury out of position.
The most important news, though, is the hope that talisman Vardy is fit to start. Judging by van Nistelrooy’s update, the veteran forward should lead the line and that will be music to the ears of Leicester fans.