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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Kieran Jackson

Manchester City beat Leicester to close in on Premier League title

Vincent Kompany struck a sensational winner as Manchester City returned to the top of the Premier League with a dramatic and tense 1-0 win over Leicester.

City's long-serving and influential captain netted with a ferocious long-range shot to settle nerves after 70 minutes of a nail-biting contest at the Etihad Stadium.

Pep Guardiola's treble-chasing side had needed to win to retain control of their title destiny and their 13th successive victory took them a point above Liverpool with just one game remaining. Relive all of the drama below.


Good evening and welcome to our live coverage of Manchester City vs Leicester City in the Premier League. 
Only two games to go for Manchester City...
 
The champions have won their last 12 games in the Premier League - make it 14 and they will retain their title. 
 
But standing in their way this evening is Leicester City, managed by former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers. After missing out on the title five years ago whilst at the helm at Anfield, could Rodgers put it back in Liverpool's hands by taking points off City? 
 
Team news coming shortly! 
TEAM NEWS
 
Only one change for Manchester City from the team who beat Burnley eight days ago: Phil Foden comes in for Leroy Sane, who drops to the bench. 
 
Former Leicester player Riyad Mahrez is also among the substitutes. 
 
Here's Pep Guardiola's team in full: 
 
TEAM NEWS
 
Meanwhile, Brendan Rodgers has named an unchanged starting XI from the team who beat Arsenal 3-0. 
 
Here's the Leicester side in full: 
 
 
 
The Independent's Chief Sports Writer Jonathan Liew has written about this extraordinary title race, ahead of tonight's clash: 
 
A reminder that one of Manchester City's four losses in the Premier league this season did come against Leicester City on Boxing Day. 
 
Could Leicester do the double? Kick-off is just over half an hour away!
Brendan Rodgers, speaking to Sky Sports, pre-match: 
 
"We've been playing very well. It's a great game to be involved in. We have to defend well, our concentration is important. We've got the quality, and the players come here with no fear."
 
"Jame [Vardy] is one of the best in the league at playing in behind, but we need to get a balance in our play this evening." 
Liverpool and Manchester City - neck and neck until the end. 
 
Our Chief Football Writer Miguel Delaney is at the Etihad Stadium this evening, and has already made his prediction...
 
Riyad Mahrez, who scored this wonderful goal during Leicester's title-winning year in 2016, is a substitute for Manchester City tonight. 
 
Could he be a major influence from the bench? 
 
Kick-off at the Etihad is just five minutes away!
 
A reminder of the starting XI's: 
 
Manchester City: Ederson, Walker, Kompany, Laporte, Zinchenko, D Silva, Gundogan, Foden, B Silva, Sterling, Aguero 
 
Leicester City: Schmeichel, Ricardo, Evans, Maguire, Chilwell, Ndidi, Choudhury, Tielemans, Albrighton, Maddison, Vardy
KICK OFF
KICK-OFF: Manchester City 0-0 Leicester City
 
We're underway at the Etihad! 
2 minutes: Man City 0-0 Leicester
 
City win an early corner, but decide to play it short, and Leicester eventually clear their lines. 
5 minutes: Man City 0-0 Leicester
 
Leicester have a little period of possession here, with Chilwell looking a threat down the left. 
 
Plenty of whistles while Leicester, in their dark blue shirts, retain the ball. 
7 minutes: Man City 0-0 Leicester
 
A small glimpse for Sergio Aguero on the edge of the box, but Tielemans does well to nick the ball just before he shoots. 
 
Fairly even start so far. 
9 minutes: Man City 0-0 Leicester
 
First big chance of the game goes to Leicester!
 
Ricardo, the right-back, receives the ball in the box, cuts inside and hits a left-footed shot destined for the bottom corner, but Vincent Kompany intervenes with a crucial block...
 
Promising signs early on, for Leicester and Liverpool fans. 
11 minutes: Man City 0-0 Leicester
 
Phil Foden tests Kasper Schmeichel!
 
The teenager strolls into the penalty area, turns on the ball and hits a shot straight at the Leicester captain.
14 minutes: Man City 0-0 Leicester
 
After some nice build-up play, Youri Tielemans shoots on target from 30 yards out, but it's comfortable for Ederson. 
17 minutes: Man City 0-0 Leicester
 
A tad ambitious from Kyle Walker...
 
It opened up for the defender 35 yards out, but his shot is wildly over the bar.

Match preview

What time does it start?

Manchester City vs Leicester kicks off at 8pm (GMT).

Where can I watch it?

The match will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage beginning at 7pm.

Subscribers can also stream the game on the SkyGo app.

Prediction…  Manchester City 3-1 Leicester

Leicester are tricky opposition, although the same was said of Tottenham and Manchester United, two of City’s recent opponents.

The 2015-16 Premier League champions have implemented an exciting, attacking style of play since Rodgers’ arrival at the helm, which could make Monday’s game a thrilling affair, but City seem almost unstoppable at the moment.

Guardiola’s side should have the nerves and quality to get the job done.

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