Leicester City head into Saturday's Premier League encounter with Manchester City having recorded four points from two games since the arrival of new manager Claude Puel.
As for City, Pep Guardiola will fancy his team to continue their unbeaten start to the season, although each of their last four opponents have shown that there are some chinks in the armour of the leaders.
Leicester City
© SilverHub
When Leicester announced that Puel had been chosen to replace Craig Shakespeare, many of the club's supporters were critical of the decision but so far, the Frenchman has proven to be a huge hit at the King Power Stadium.
The Foxes overcame a struggling Everton side with ease in Puel's first match, while enough promise was shown in the 2-2 draw with Stoke City to suggest that the 2016 Premier League champions have every chance of a return to the top half of the table.
Puel will naturally be cautious ahead of the visit of the league leaders, but Leicester have only suffered one defeat in their last nine fixtures in all competitions, which was a 3-2 setback at the hands of Liverpool.
The main plus point from the last two performances has been the impact of Demarai Gray, who has quickly repaid Puel's faith in his ability with a match-winning performance against Everton and by penning a new long-term deal in the East Midlands.
Leicester are also finally getting to see the best of summer signing Vicente Iborra, with the former Sevilla midfielder netting his first goal for the club at the bet365 Stadium before the international break and generally providing a commanding presence alongside Wilfred Ndidi in the centre of the pitch.
With Harry Maguire also showing every sign of becoming a top Premier League centre-back, the foundations have been laid at the King Power, but it is now up to Puel to get the most out of his talented squad in order to satisfy the club's demanding owners.
Recent form: LDDWWD
Recent form (all competitions): DDWWWD
Manchester City
© SilverHub
Even at this stage of the season, there is a feeling that only complacency will prevent City from getting their hands on the Premier League trophy for a third time in their history, but Guardiola will be stressing the need for a ruthless display on their visit to Leicester.
City remain unbeaten in all competitions this season, with only Wolverhampton Wanderers being able to keep Guardiola's free-scoring team out all season, but the harshest of critics will be claiming that City have not been at their best in recent weeks.
West Brom were competitive before City ran out 3-2 winners at The Hawthorns, Napoli went in front during their Champions League fixture in Italy before the visitors won by a 4-2 scoreline, while the North-West outfit required help from the officials in order to see off Arsenal before the international break.
Nevertheless, it could be argued that City are making their own luck given the number of chances that are being created in each game, and it is almost surprising that four or more goals have been scored in just the six fixtures since the middle of August.
Guardiola will be looking to include top goalscorer Sergio Aguero, despite fainting on international duty with Argentina, but each of David Silva, Raheem Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne, Leroy Sane and Gabriel Jesus are capable of filling any void left by the forward.
More satisfaction may be taken if City can shut out Leicester on their own turf but throughout this season, Guardiola and his players have shown that they are capable of winning a football match either 1-0 or 7-2, and Leicester will have to produce their best performance since winning the league in order to halt a juggernaut which is only gathering pace.
Recent form: WWWWWW
Recent form (all competitions): WWDWWW
Team News
© Offside
Guardiola has suggested that Aguero will feature in his squad after describing his condition as "perfect", but Nicolas Otamendi is absent due to suspension.
Eliaquim Mangala is the most likely replacement for the centre-back, but Guardiola has hinted that Vincent Kompany is closing in on a return after being sidelined since the end of August.
Fabian Delph has been rated as "doubtful", but Sterling is fit after missing England's games with Germany and Brazil.
Puel has confirmed that both Iborra and Ben Chilwell are available for selection after fitness issues before and during the game with Stoke.
Former Man City forward Kelechi Iheanacho is pushing for a start, but the Nigerian is likely to have to make do with a place on the bench.
Leicester City possible starting lineup:
Schmeichel; Simpson, Morgan, Maguire, Fuchs; Ndidi, Iborra, Gray, Okazaki, Mahrez; Vardy
Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Ederson; Stones, Mangala, Danilo; Walker, Fernandinho, Silva, Sane; De Bruyne, Sterling, Aguero
Head To Head
Saturday's match will represent the 113th time in which these two teams have faced each other in a competitive fixture, with Man City claiming 54 victories in comparison to 29 wins for Leicester.
However, the Foxes have had the better of matches played over the last two years, with Leicester winning twice and scoring seven goals during games staged in 2016.
The reverse fixture last season saw Jamie Vardy end his goal drought in style with a hat-trick being netted in a 4-2 success.
We say: Leicester City 1-3 Manchester City
Leicester have played some exciting football since the arrival of Puel, but their defence may not be strong enough to keep City at bay. Regardless of Aguero's participation, City will create chances in the East Midlands and we expect the visitors to record a convincing win.
Darren Plant
