Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes Leicester will pose a formidable challenge to his Premier League leaders despite a slump in form. Following two successive fifth-placed finishes, FA Cup-holders Leicester have won just six of their last 16 matches in English football’s top flight.

City top the table

Reigning champions City, meanwhile have won their last eight league games to go three points clear at the top of the table heading into Sunday’s match at home to Leicester. Nevertheless, Guardiola, whose side won 1-0 away to the Foxes in September, said: “Leicester remain Leicester. For me, they remain [with a] top-quality manager, absolutely, with exceptional players in all departments. But sometimes, in seasons, there are periods of highs and lows. Maybe we are used to seeing Leicester up there all the time.”