Manchester City Starting XI vs Leicester: Confirmed team news and predicted lineup

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·1 April 2025

Manchester City Starting XI vs Leicester: Confirmed team news and predicted lineup

Man City Predicted Lineup vs Leicester: Haaland Injury Forces Tactical Reset

When form wavers and bodies fall, the answer is often Pep. Or at least, that’s how Manchester City have long rationalised adversity. But this time, the storm might be harder to weather.

Photo: IMAGO

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As Leicester arrive at the Etihad midweek, City find themselves without Erling Haaland, without Rodri, without half their back line, and—perhaps most worryingly—without that air of inevitability that once preceded their fixtures. Dominance now feels conditional, rather than assured.

Haaland’s absence is more than just statistical. Yes, he is one of the Premier League’s top scorers. Yes, he is the player who attracts defenders like moths to a spotlight. But more than that, his presence allows City to control the tempo of their chaos. Without him, the rhythm is just that little more disjointed.

Haaland blow adds to injury pile-up

Haaland limped off after scoring the equaliser in the FA Cup win at Bournemouth, having missed a penalty earlier in the game. “I don’t know yet, we will have to see,” Guardiola said post-match—his body language doing most of the talking.

Photo IMAGO

Tests confirmed a left ankle injury. The club issued a statement on Monday:“Assessment remains ongoing to ascertain a full prognosis. The expectation is that Erling will be fit in time to play a further part in the remainder of this season, including this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup.”

For now, City must cope without him. The goals, the gravity, the psychological leverage he brings—all shelved.

Marmoush steps in as Guardiola juggles options

Step forward Omar Marmoush. The January signing, who won the cup tie with his late goal, is likely to lead the line. It’s a big ask, though not a thankless one. Supported by Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku—City’s most direct creative threats—Marmoush represents movement, industry, and perhaps even the chaos Guardiola occasionally craves.

Photo IMAGO

Elsewhere, Jack Grealish, James McAtee, and youngster Nico O’Reilly are all pushing for involvement. O’Reilly, notably, claimed two assists off the bench against Bournemouth—a reminder that City’s academy conveyor belt still hums beneath the surface.

Midfield balance key in absence of Rodri

Rodri’s absence through injury feels existential. He is City’s metronome, their fire blanket, their shield. Without him, Mateo Kovacic and Ilkay Gundogan must assume greater control in midfield, with Bernardo Silva tasked with stitching it all together.

Picture:IMAGO

Nico Gonzalez, displaced at Bournemouth, may return, while Oscar Bobb—back from a broken leg—has trained and is a doubt, though not ruled out entirely.

Defensive crisis offers no let-up

At the back, Guardiola is down to essentials. Nathan Ake, John Stones, and Manuel Akanji remain sidelined, which means Ruben Dias will partner Abdukodir Khusanov in central defence. Josko Gvardiol continues at left-back, with either Rico Lewis or Matheus Nunes likely to cover the right.