By Grant James

This is a full match preview of Leicester City’s Premier League clash against Manchester City, hosted at the King Power Stadium on Saturday 10th December 2016 (5.30pm kick-off), refereed by Michael Oliver.

Leicester City and Manchester City return to Premier League action this Saturday evening after poor results in the Champions League midweek. A weakened Leicester team containing eight changes from their previous Champions League encounter, were thumped 5-0 by Porto at the Estádio do Dragão stadium. With qualification confirmed and the group won, manager Claudio Ranieri left several of his first team squad at home ahead of the crucial Premier League fixture that followed.

Central defensive midfielder Namples Mendy is available for selection after six weeks on the sidelines, having undergone ankle surgery. The Frenchman made his first appearance for the Foxes versus Porto since limping off against Arsenal back in August. Captain Danny Drinkwater serves the last of his three match suspension for elbowing Valon Behrami last month, whilst Kasper Schmeichel continues his recovery from injury. Robert Huth has a back problem, but Ranieri still expects the defender to start.

Manchester City are missing three first team players through suspension. Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho were both shown straight red cards in their previous Premier League fixture against Chelsea, with Aguero picking up a four game suspension and Fernandinho three games. Otamendi also misses the match through suspension having accumulated five yellow cards. Vincent Kompany is still out because of a knee injury, while Raheem Sterling is also doubtful because of an injured knee.

After 14 games last season, Leicester City were second in the table, a point behind Manchester City. They had lost one game and had 29 points on the board. This season, the Foxes are two points from relegation with seven losses already to their name. Although, Claudio Ranieri has won seven of his eight Premier League games against Manchester City, with the only draw coming at the King Power stadium last season.

Manchester City drew 1-1 versus Celtic at the Etihad on Tuesday, as Pep Guardiola fielded a largely second string team having already qualified as runners up. However, Manchester City’s home form continues to concern Guardiola and the fans, with only one win in the last six home fixtures in all competitions.

After three draws in their last six games, Manchester City are four points behind leaders Chelsea. However, a good omen for the Sky Blues is that they have not lost an away game to Leicester in the Premier League, with their last top-flight defeat coming in March 1987.