One win in 13: Can Manchester City end their slump against Leicester?

Manchester City’s season is at a crossroads as they prepare for Sunday’s clash with Leicester City.

A woeful run of form has seen Pep Guardiola’s side win just once in their last 13 matches, leaving their Premier League title hopes in tatters and casting doubt over their ability to secure Champions League football next season.

City’s struggles were laid bare in their Boxing Day draw with Everton, a match that encapsulated their defensive vulnerabilities and lack of cutting edge.

Bernardo Silva’s early goal provided hope, but Iliman Ndiaye’s equaliser exposed a backline that has now conceded 26 goals since the start of November. Erling Haaland’s missed penalty further highlighted the pressure on City’s star players to deliver amidst a crisis.

Injuries and an ageing squad have compounded Guardiola’s problems. With key players sidelined and no major squad overhaul in recent windows, City have lacked the consistency and resilience that defined their dominance in recent years.

The result is a team sitting seventh in the table, 14 points adrift of leaders Liverpool, who also hold a game in hand. Guardiola has assured fans that City will “come back,” but the urgency to do so grows with each passing game.

Sunday’s trip to the King Power Stadium offers a potential turning point. Leicester City, under Ruud van Nistelrooy, have endured their own struggles, with just one win since the Dutchman took charge in early December.

While Leicester’s defensive frailties — 40 goals conceded in 18 matches — make them vulnerable, their attack showed flashes of potential in their recent 3-1 defeat to Liverpool. For City, this represents both an opportunity and a warning.

A win against Leicester would not only boost morale but also provide a foundation to build upon as City enter the second half of the campaign.

Guardiola’s tactical adjustments and his players’ ability to rise to the occasion will be crucial in ensuring they do not squander this chance. With Champions League qualification at stake and a restless fan base demanding answers, City’s response on Sunday could define their season.

The spotlight is firmly on Manchester City. They must seize this moment to halt their decline, or risk sinking further into mediocrity in what has been a remarkably turbulent campaign.