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The Premier League aren't exactly saving the best for last this weekend, with league leaders Leicester City traveling to face second-placed Manchester City in Saturday's early kickoff. It's not exactly a six-pointer with 14 games of the season still remaining, but it could go some way to determining where the prestigious trophy ends up. Leicester head in with a three-point lead at the top of the table, but home advantage ensures it's City who are favorites to win this match.
There's also the small fact that City have a considerably better squad than the Foxes -- indeed, perhaps a better squad than anyone in the division. However, they're without a few of their key players thanks to a variety of injury problems, and if there's one thing we've learned from Leicester this season, it's that they don't tend to stick to the script. In short: expect the unexpected.
Key player: Sergio Agüero (Manchester City)
Manchester City are more reliant on striker Sergio Agüero than anyone else, and fortunately for Manuel Pellegrini, he should be available for this encounter. The injury-prone Argentine has has stayed fit through a punishing festive fixture list, and has scored eight goals in his last nine appearances. With a mixture of brute strength and slick movement, Leicester's defenders could find it difficult to keep this slippery customer quiet.
Key matchup: Riyad Mahrez vs. Aleksandar Kolarov
He hasn't always grabbed the headlines, but arguably the real star of Leicester's season has been winger Riyad Mahrez. He's been the chief creator for top scorer Jamie Vardy, and it's little surprise he's been attracting the attention of some of Europe's biggest clubs. In this match he'll be up against City's notoriously dodgy left back Aleksandar Kolarov, in a matchup that could well prove decisive.
Manchester City injuries and suspensions
Out: Samir Nasri, Eliaquim Mangala (hamstring); Wilfried Bony (calf); Kevin De Bruyne (knee); Vincent Kompany (fitness). In doubt: Jesús Navas (hamstring); Fabian Delph (calf).
Leicester City injuries and suspensions
Out: Jeffrey Schlupp (hamstring); Matty James (knee). In doubt: Daniel Amartey (fitness).
Manchester City still have a long injury list, with captain Kompany and creative midfielders Nasri and De Bruyne both among those certain to miss out. Midfielder Delph and winger Navas both face late fitness tests.
Leicester will still be without midfielder James and winger Schlupp, while January signing Amartey will need to prove his fitness if he's to be involved so soon after making the move from Copenhagen.
Match date/time: Saturday, 7:45 a.m. ET, 12:45 p.m. local
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England
TV: NBCSN (US - English); NBC Universo (US - Spanish); TSN, RDS (Canada); BT Sport 1 (UK)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S. - English); NBC Deportes En Vivo Extra (U.S. - Spanish); BT Sport live streaming (UK)