
The Premier League: Manchester City vs Leicester City clash on April 2, 2025, presents an intriguing matchup between a top-four chasing City side and a Leicester team desperate to escape relegation. With the Citizens currently sitting 5th and the Foxes languishing in 19th, this encounter at the Etihad Stadium could significantly impact City’s top-four push and Leicester’s relegation battle. Assuming a standard 38-game season with 29 matches completed by late March, both teams have nine crucial fixtures remaining.
Key Takeaways
Aspect | Manchester City | Leicester City |
---|---|---|
Current Form | W, L, W, L, D (Last 5) | L, L, L, L, L (Last 5) |
League Position | 5th (48 points) | 19th (17 points) |
Matches Played | 29 | 29 |
Goals Scored/Conceded | 55 scored, 40 conceded | 25 scored, 65 conceded |
Key Injuries | Rodri (knee), Nathan Ake (foot), Oscar Bobb (ACL) | Abdul Fatawu (ACL) |
H2H Record | 67 wins | 32 wins (129 total meetings) |
Premier League Showdown: Man City vs Leicester Team Analysis
Manchester City’s Top-Four Chase
Manchester City enters this Premier League fixture with mixed form, securing seven points from their last five matches. The Citizens currently occupy 5th position with 48 points after 29 games and actively pursue Champions League qualification. They trail 4th place by approximately 5 points based on current standings. At the Etihad, Man City has won 75% of their home games this season. Their attack has produced 55 goals this season (1.9 per game), though defensive issues have emerged with 40 goals conceded.
Man City’s recent W, L, W, L, D record reveals their struggle to maintain consistency. Victories over Tottenham (2-0) and earlier opponents have alternated with disappointing losses, creating an up-and-down pattern that has hampered their campaign. As big games in football latest competitions approach rapidly, squad rotation will prove crucial for their remaining fixtures.
Leicester’s Relegation Battle
Leicester City faces dire circumstances at 19th place with just 17 points. The Foxes have suffered five consecutive defeats in a nightmare run. Leicester fans feel even more concerned about their team’s failure to score in these five matches. Their last goal came on February 18 against Brentford, conceding 10 goals during this scoring drought. This dramatic form collapse has pushed them toward relegation, requiring approximately 18-23 more points from their remaining games to reach safety.
The Foxes’ defense has leaked 65 goals in 29 games (2.24 per game) – one of the worst defensive records in the Premier League, surpassed only by the bottom team. Despite occasional quality flashes, Leicester shows no consistency. Their trip to Manchester represents one of their most challenging remaining fixtures.
Premier League Injury Update: Man City vs Leicester Squad News
Man City’s Injury Concerns
Pep Guardiola must address several selection challenges before this Premier League clash against Leicester City. Midfield star Rodri continues his recovery from a September 2024 knee injury. Premier League injury reports indicate a possible late April return, making him doubtful for the April 2nd match. Without Rodri, City often lacks their usual midfield control.
Nathan Ake’s foot injury further limits defensive options. The versatile Dutch defender normally offers left-back or center-back flexibility, which Guardiola now misses. Oscar Bobb won’t play again this season due to his ACL injury. John Stones remains uncertain after suffering a thigh injury. Reports suggest possible surgery, which would definitely rule him out against Leicester.
City received positive news about goalkeeper Ederson, who rejoined full training on March 25th according to Premier League updates. Barring setbacks, he should start. His distribution skills will help against Leicester’s likely defensive approach.
Leicester’s Team Availability
Leicester City deals with fewer injuries but still misses key personnel. Abdul Fatawu continues rehabilitating from his November 2024 ACL injury, which has ended his season. According to club communications, his recovery extends beyond the current campaign. Leicester’s attack has suffered without his pace and creativity on the wing.
The Foxes have reported no other major injuries as of March 28. Managers often withhold tactical information until pre-match press conferences, so check for updates closer to kickoff.
Premier League Head-to-Head: Manchester City vs Leicester City
Manchester City dominates the historical record in this Premier League matchup. From 128 total meetings, City has won 67 games against Leicester’s 32, with 29 draws completing the record according to historical data. City has continued this dominance recently, winning three of their last five encounters, including a 3-1 victory in December 2024.
The Etihad Stadium advantage amplifies City’s strength in this fixture. Their attack, led by Erling Haaland, consistently troubles Leicester’s defense. Haaland’s scoring rate (27 goals as of March 28, 2025, averaging 0.93 per game) makes him a key focus for betting tips experts when City plays.
Leicester has occasionally upset Manchester City, but such results look highly unlikely given their current struggles. The quality gap between the teams, alongside Leicester’s terrible form, strongly suggests a home win.
A rare Leicester triumph occurred in September 2020 when they shocked City 5-2 at the Etihad. This result represents an unusual outlier that seems impossible to replicate given Leicester’s current form. Pep Guardiola, whose tactical expertise appears on his Wikipedia page, will guard against any similar surprise.
Premier League Betting Guide: Man City vs Leicester Odds
Match Outcome Odds
Bookmakers strongly favor Man City in this Premier League matchup based on current trends. Indicative odds from March 28, 2025, price City at 1.25 to win. Leicester sits at distant 11.00 odds, while a draw offers 6.50 (Please note odds may change, check Tobibet for all official odds closer to April 2).
The “Manchester City to Win to Nil” market presents value at 2.10. City secured clean sheet victories against Everton (January 2025) and Tottenham (February 2025), suggesting another shutout possibility. While City has conceded 40 goals this season, Leicester’s five-match scoring drought strengthens this betting option.
Goals and Player Markets – Premier League: Manchester City vs Leicester City
Man City averages 1.9 goals per game while Leicester concedes 2.24 per game, creating a 4.14 combined average that comfortably exceeds the 2.5 threshold. City’s last five home games averaged 3.2 goals, further supporting the Over 2.5 Goals market. City’s attacking strength against Leicester’s weak defense makes this option particularly attractive at the Etihad.
Erling Haaland leads the player prop markets at 1.50 to score anytime. The Norwegian has netted 27 Premier League goals this season, tracking toward 35+ if he maintains his current rate through remaining fixtures. Haaland has scored in 3 of his last 4 appearances against Leicester, making this a compelling betting choice.
Handicap Options
The Asian Handicap market offers Leicester +2 at 1.95 odds. This covers both 2-0 and 1-0 City wins – common scorelines in such mismatches. This bet provides safety against a narrow City victory while still offering reasonable returns for sports betting enthusiasts seeking balanced risk.
Premier League Value Pick: Man City vs Leicester Best Bet
Manchester City Win + Over 2.5 Goals
Our analysis highlights Manchester City to win with over 2.5 total goals as the premier betting option. Leicester’s defense has conceded 65 goals in 29 games, while City has scored 55 goals in the same period. This combination bet offers strong value at 1.80.
Leicester hasn’t scored in five straight matches, but City’s attacking power can push the total over 2.5 goals by themselves. The Citizens have won with 3+ goals in 65% of home games this season. Meanwhile, Leicester has allowed 3+ goals in 4 of their last 5 away defeats.
This bet combines City’s 75%+ win probability with a 60%+ chance of over 2.5 goals based on season-long patterns. It presents the best risk-reward balance among available markets.
(Please note odds may vary, check Tobibet for current odds closer to match day).
Premier League FAQs: Man City vs Leicester Match Details
Q: When does Man City play Leicester in this Premier League fixture? A: The teams meet at 20:00 BST (19:00 UTC) on April 2, 2025, at the Etihad Stadium, pending official confirmation.
Q: Will Rodri play for Man City against Leicester? A: Rodri might miss the match as he recovers from his knee injury. Check Guardiola’s pre-match press conference, typically occurring 48 hours before kickoff, for the latest update.
Q: How crucial is this match for Leicester City’s survival? A: This game holds enormous importance for Leicester. They sit 19th with only 17 points from 29 games and need approximately 18-23 more points from remaining fixtures to avoid relegation.
Q: What explains Leicester’s recent poor performances? A: Leicester has lost five consecutive matches without scoring. Their goal drought extends back to February 18 against Brentford, highlighting their offensive struggles.
Q: Who will referee the Man City vs Leicester match? A: The PGMOL announces referee appointments around March 30 for this fixture. Visit premierleague.com for the official announcement when available.
Betting carries risk; outcomes depend on final lineups, form changes, and potential weather conditions at the Etihad. Statistics reflect Premier League standings as of March 28, 2025. Consult a professional adviser before placing bets.