Happy Easter!

Well, that's all from me for tonight!

As always, stay tuned to ManCity.com for more post-match reaction, brief highlights plus a Full Match Replay of the game on CITY+ from midnight.

It's been a pleasure and privilege as always.

Make sure you join us on Tuesday for our Champions League quarter final first leg at home to Borussia Dortmund.

See you then... 💙

Pep on KDB's work rate

"This is one of our identities - one of the most talented players in the world plays like this. We spoke about this from day one.

"There is no negotiation on this. You can play bad, find bad form - but in terms of running for your mates, pressing...you have to do it. You do it for your mate.

"We can play good or bad but we cannot deny in five years we are together, the players run hard and fight every single game

"That is something I am incredibly proud of."

More from the boss...👇🏻

"Yesterday the players came back and I spoke to some of them and some were tired - three games in 10 days, they travel a lot.

"So we tried to put on the fresh legs as possible today. Except Nathan, the rest of the players were in Manchester.

"The players who didn't play the last game on international duty were ready to play. We were more patient than the game at the Etihad., you have to be patient versus Leicester because they defend so well.

It’s a good victory and another step."

Pep's verdict...

"All the managers think the same - after the international break how will players be?

"All these players prove again how consistent they are. The run of games we have won in the last months - very pleased. We need four more victories to win again.

"Now rest, Dortmund, the next one."

Brendan Rodgers on KDB

"Kevin De Bruyne is arguably the world's best midfield player right now.

"Everything he does is pure quality."

Brendan Rodgers' verdict

"We lost to the better team - and we can have no complaints.

"We didn't make better decisions with the ball but they are a fantastic team and there is no shame (in the result)."

Ole's impressed!! ( no, not that one!)

Squad goals... ⚽

So many impressive individual displays today which only serve to further highlight the collective power and unity of the City squad.

As well as Pep it will be fascinating to hear Brendan Rodgers' take as he too is always so honest and forthright.

Picture perfect! 📸

The F word... formidable!!

Here's our full time verdict...💙

Different gravy...

Return ticket... 🎫

Must admit I was a tad nervous ahead of today.

Both the calibre of the opposition and the effect of the international break were a bit of a concern.

What a response though! We jus seem o keep getting better.

And that treat for the eyes will make tomorrow's Easter eggs taste all the sweeter!!

KDB on returning to club duty 💬

"I came back Tuesday after the game and trained Thursday and half the team trained yesterday

"All we can do is rest up, be ready for the games and the manager chooses the players who have been here the longest.

"When you win the game it’s always the right pick. The team did really well and I am really pleased."

Kevin De Bruyne 💬

"I thought we were really good today. They had the chance with Vardy but in the first half there was basically one team playing.

"If you look at 90 minutes it was 2-0 and we deserved more. After an international break, that’s really well done by the team.

Loving this!... 💙

Mind the gap

Just the 17 point lead at the top of the table.

11 points will confirm a third title in four years.

Anyone else feeling excited?

FULL-TIME ⏲

That's that!

What a way to return to action.

City triumph 2-0 thanks to second half goals from Benjamin Mendy and Gabriel Jesus

A 15th successive away win.

RESULT!!!!

Extra, extra

Three added minutes.

Perfect way to start what could be a huge April.

Talk about a spring in our step!

Phew..

Some fine Leicester build up play sees the ball drop to the unmarked Maddison in the box but, fortunately, his shot lacks pace and power.

You love to see it!! (part two)

Close

Maddison lets fly from just outside the box but the effort is just too high.

A reminder there is still work to be done.

Back in business 💙

International ring rust?

Not a chance - this has been so impressive. From start to finish we have been in glorious form.

Almost three...

City dispossess Evans, De Bruyne finds the onrushing Mahrez but for once the Algerian's trusty left foot lets him down as the shot goes wide.

Cruise control

I was a tad apprehensive going into the last 15 minutes.

I think we can all relax a lot more now!!

Special K 💙

Kevin De Bruyne has been outstanding today.

What. A. Player

Many happy returns!

Job done surely.

City break at speed, De Bruyne delivers a stunning through ball, Jesus drives into the box, finds Sterling who turns and returns the ball to the waiting Jesus who slides home to score.

What a way to celebrate your 24th birthday!!

Superb. Jus superb.

Full throttle

Now Dias stands tall again to deny Perez as he looks to drive into the City box.

City a real mean machine at the back as well as being a joy to watch going forward.

Perfect combination.

Shut that door

More great work from Rodrigo and Ferna as they shut the door on Ndidi.

Dovetailing to great effect again there.

Forward march

Our goal will surely force Leicester to push on more offensively.

That could open up more space which should hopefully suit us.

Just rewards

Have to say our play more than merited that.

And another reminder that there are goals throughout this team.

Mendy's second of the season and such a crucial time to strike.

You love to see it!

Big Ben!!

The most unlikely of sources but our full back has made the all important breakthrough.

Schmeichel flapped at a cross, the ball was reworked and floated over and Mend showed great composure to gather the ball cut inside and place a shot past Schmeichel.

Get in!!

Close!!

Jesus works wonders to set up a fine chance for Aguero but his right foot effort for once fails to find the target

Work station

De Bruyne there working like a trojan to cut down a Leicester clearance.

Another reminder that City's work rate is incredible

All to play for

Poised intriguingly this one.

City should be well clear but right now its on a  knife-edge

What a tackle

Ruben Dias take a bow.,

The defender produces a stunning tackle to divert a goal bound shot from Tielemans after fine work by Iheanacho.

Crucial stop - Leicester stepping things up.

Argh! 😐

Close again!

A wonderful whipped cross from De Bruyne skids across the box and just catches out Rodrigo at the far post.

Leicester shot

Tielemans fires in a shot and Ederson is forced into action to gather the ball.

Nearly...

A looping Jesus cross almost finds Mahrez but Leicester manage o clear under pressure.

City come again and a teasing ball almost finds Aguero in the box.

As you were

No changes from either side at the break.

SECOND HALF ⚽

We're back under way at the King Power Stadium.

Another big 45 minutes ahead...more of the same please lads.

COME ON, CITY!!!

'Sheer quality'

Shaun Goater on KDB's free-kick:

"It was such great technique. It just shows you the quality that De Bruyne has."
 

'Controlled the tempo'

Joleon Lescott's first half verdict:

"We controlled the tempo throughout. We’ve had six shots and on average that would be good enough for any other team, but we expect more. 

"The Mahrez chance was the clear cut one for me. It’s just important that we win the game."
 

Reasons to be cheerful 👍

City dominant but that last scare with Vardy a reminder of what Leicester are capable of.

Everything but the finishing touch from City so far.

I'm confident, however still plenty of work to be done.

Half time

All square at the break. Not quite sure to be honest given our dominance but so much to be encouraged about.

Vardy offside

Vardy is there as he breaks the line and evades Ederson to score - but fortunately he is offside.

Argh! 😩

Now Jesus is just over with a shot after cutting inside pas Jonny Evans.

All started with some great work from Ferna

Two's company

Fascinating to see Rodrigo and Fernandinho playing alongside each other in the engine room.

So assured in their work. So difficult to play against.

That's a rarity

KDB just overhits a through ball to Jesus on the overlap.

Schmeichel then gives he ball straight back to the Belgian.

Must be exhausting for the hosts given the work the are having to put in.

Back at it

No signs of any ring rust after the international break.

Pep's side look hungry and full of intent.

Argh! 😩

Now Fofana is there to block a Rodrigo shot after fine work by Jesus in the build-up.

We're knocking on the door.

Class acts 👏

Half an hour gone and City dominant - all that is missing is he goal that our play has deserved.

100 up

Just the 100 per cent possession for City in the pas five minutes.

Ridiculous stat.

City free-kick

Now KDB is fouled as he fires in a shot. Free kick on the edge of the box.

Prime position.

Special K 👌

So close.

De Bruyne plays a quite stunning pass with the outside of his right foot into Jesus but the Brazilian can't quite gather the ball.

Aguero then skies he rebound over the bar.

City building up pressure.

Press to play 💪

City's press already having an effect. Signs that we are warming to the task with the Foxes pinned back for periods.

Slow burner...

Mahrez finds a fraction of space on he right flank but Evans is on hand to cut out the cross.

Something of a slow burn affair so far save for that Ferna rocket.

Argh! 😩

De Brune tries to play in Mendy but Fofana cuts out the through ball.

Promising from City

Ouch 👀

Ndidi is spoken to after a late challenge on Mahrez which leaves the Algerian writhing in agony.

Fortunately Riyad is up and good to go.

Sunny side up...🌞

King Power is bathed in early April sunshine.

Perfect conditions.

Early marker

What a goal that would have been. Hopefully it will fill us with confidence however.

That is tough.

Fernandinho slammed home a stunning shot from 20 yards but Sergio Aguero is fractionally in front and in Kasper Schmeichel's' eye line.

Ferna goal ruled out

Let battle commence 💪

City cut out an early Leicester attack with the hosts seeking to gain the early initiative.

Rodri then rises to head clear an Albrighton free kick.

Kick-off 💙

We are underway at the King Power Stadium.

COME ON, CITY!!!

Minute's applause

A minute's applause for the late, great Frank Worthington who passed away recently.

What a player - what a character

Almost time! 🙌

Out come the two teams.

The hosts emerge first to line up; soon followed by the visitors.

Firs against third. Can't wait!!

Welcome Aurelia! 💙

ICYMI how we line up today...

Nap hand!!

Sergio just is the business - Lescott

Joleon Lescott on Sergio Aguero:

'"He just enjoys it. I’ve never met someone enjoy what they do as much as he does. He grew into the culture.

"He just came and said I’ll play my part and just went about his business. We knew to just do our job, because he would do his job up front."
 

The boss looks ahead...👇

Wouldn't put it past him!!

'A big mini season'

More from Aymeric Laporte:

"It’s the final run now of the season. We have to face that final stretch like it is a big mini season, because we have many things ahead of us." 

'We are ready' - Laporte

Aymeric Laporte's pre-match thoughts:

"We have many players fresh and today is a good game to play. I think we are ready. It is always difficult when it stops like that and you lose a bit of team rhythm, but we’re ready.

"Leicester is a test, we have to compete how we have done for the last month. I think we have done very well. Hopefully we can win today."
 

Result...

It's all over in the day's second Premier League encounter with Leeds United securing a 2-1 win over Sheffield United at Elland Road.

SERGIO!!!!!! 💙

'Riyad's brilliant disguise'

Shaun Goater on Riyad Mahrez:

"He does a disguise that defenders fall for. They can’t read it. I find myself falling for it whilst watching!

"He actually lies players down and his delivery is just sweet. I’m thinking I would love to be there."
 

'Pleased to see Sergio start'

Shaun Goater on Sergio:

"I’m very pleased to see him start. I needed a few days to pick myself up after the news. I had to sort of have my period of thinking that we will no longer have him next season. 

"I’m glad to see him starting. I’m intrigued. Jesus may play out wide. I would imagine he would be wide and I’m sure everybody will be hoping that he gets chances today."
 

'No weak links'

Joleon Lescott on today's line up:

"It makes sense. The rotation was going to be obvious. It’s probably a time or a fixture that you can predict the team due to the international break, but it is still a strong team, there is no weak link there.

"There’s no weak links in that team."
 

City in the area! 🏠

More from the boss...👇🏻

Pep Guardiola

"Leicester are a top side, a lot of quality and they are a team who like to play with incredible movements in behind.

"I know exactly what they have done (when they beat us) but it was a long time ago. We know and we paid attention to their last game against Manchester United."

Pep's pre-match thoughts...👇

Pep Guardiola

"Like every game we decide the best team for us. We believed this is the best one for us due to the international break.

"Sergio trained very well this week and is fit."

 

Team news and tactics...📃

And here's how the hosts line up...

Here's how we line up tonight... ⚽️

Pep Guardiola makes six changes from the side that won 2-0 at Everton in the FA Cup last time out.

CITY XI: Ederson, Walker, Dias, Laporte, Mendy, Fernandinho ©, Rodrigo, De Bruyne, Jesus, Aguero, Mahrez

Subs: Carson, Stones, Ake, Sterling, Gundogan, Bernardo, Torres, Cancelo, Foden

Stat attack (part two)...📈

🔹 Leicester's last top-flight victory against a side who began the day top of the table came at Manchester United in January 1998.

🔹 They are winless in 15 subsequent Premier League games against the league leaders, losing 13.

🔹 The Foxes have lost six home league matches this season - Everton are the only top-half side with a worse record.

Elsewhere today...

It's been a busy day already with West Brom securing a stunning 5-2 win away at Chelsea to hand Thomas Tuchel a first loss since he took charge at Stamford Bridge.

Further proof, if it were needed, of the fiercely competitive nature of the Premier League.

In the 3pm kick-off, Leeds are currently 2-1 up against Sheffield United while Arsenal host Liverpool at 8pm

Conditions check...

Settle the score?

Stat attack...📈

🔹 City have won eight successive away league fixtures, scoring a total of 22 goals and conceding just three.

🔹 Pep Guardiola's side have won 25 of their past 26 matches in all competitions, including a club record 14 consecutive away fixtures.

🔹 They have conceded just eight top-flight away goals this season, four fewer than any other side.

Taylor's MCWFC latest

The Goat has spoken... ☝️

FA Youth Cup exit

Pep's praise for Leicester...👇

The boss was effusive when giving his thoughts on the Foxes in Friday's pre-match press conference:

 Pep Guardiola:

“Leicester is a top class team - they can beat us. The depth of their squad... I am impressed.

“We will be closer to winning the title if we win and then every game after that is a final. The team will feel that, and we are ready to try it.

“People say we are close. The champions are Liverpool. We are in the best position. But United and Leicester can win a lot of games.

Decisions, decisions...

Selection thoughts ❓

We should find out Pep's team choice at around 4.30pm and the boss will have weighed up a number of considerations in drawing up his plans.

April will be another huge month with games aplenty so rotation will again be key for City.

The boss will also no doubt take into account how his international stars have recovered from the recent World Cup qualifiers.

Much to consider then - the good news is that we have demonstrated throughout this season whichever side Pep puts out, there is no shortage of quality!

Ferna's birthday greetings to Gabriel! 💙

Early team news 📋

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola reported no injury concerns at Friday's pre-match press conference but said he would continue to assess those players coming back from international duty.

For the hosts, Leicester midfielder James Maddison has recovered from a hip problem, while full-back Ricardo Pereira is also fit after overcoming a hamstring strain.

However, wingers Harvey Barnes and Cengiz Under remain sidelined.

Good as goals! ⚽

Matchday greetings! ⚽

A very good afternoon/morning/evening/night wherever you may be in the world.

It's a pleasure to be bringing you coverage of today's welcome return to Premier League action after the first international beak of 2021 - it's a belter too: an eagerly awaited trip to tackle Leicester City.

The Foxes are flying high under Brendan Rodgers and currently lie in third place in the table so a tough test awaits.

As ever, we'll bring you closer to the action with all of the pre-match build-up, live coverage and post-match reaction right here in the Matchday Centre and on ManCity.com - so stay tuned!

How are you feeling ahead of the game/ Confident? Nervous? Excited? Let us know on Twitter, using the hashtag #WNRH. We'd love to hear from you.

COME ON, CITY!!!

Focus time...👀

Foxes fitness boost

Leicester midfielder James Maddison has recovered from a hip problem, while full-back Ricardo Pereira is also fit after overcoming a hamstring strain.

However, wingers Harvey Barnes and Cengiz Under remain sidelined.

Watching brief...📺

More from the boss...👇

Pep Guardiola:

"Leicester can play in different ways four in back. Five, one striker, two strikers. They can play good build up because of the keeper. People in between like Tielemans and Maddison - they have the quality.

“They can play in different ways. Brendan knows the team and the mood and momentum today decide what they are going to do. We have to adapt.

“You see all the players, they have quality. Ndidi is going well, Tielemans is a top-class player. I remember when Vincent Kompany started talking about how good he was. Vincent as always was right. Top players with quality.

The boss gives his pre-match thoughts...👇

Pep Guardiola:

“Leicester is a top class team - they can beat us. The depth of their squad... I am impressed.

“We will be closer to winning the title if we win and then every game after that is a final. The team will feel that, and we are ready to try it.

“People say we are close. The champions are Liverpool. We are in the best position. But United and Leicester can win a lot of games.

All you need to know...

Many happy returns Gab!

Young guns...💙

Action stations!!

Matchday greetings! ⚽

A very good morning to you all!

It's the welcome return of matchday after the international break - and we have a cracker of a game to look forward to later.

City return to Premier League action with a testing trip to third placed Leicester City (kick-off 5.30pm).

As always, we'll have all the build-up for you right here on our Matchday Centre so stay with us throughout the day ahead of kick-off.