Pep Guardiola believes Brendan Rodgers has already made a big impact as Leicester manager. Title-chasing City host Rodgers’ Foxes in a crucial Premier League clash on Monday night. Guardiola is not taking anything for granted against a side who have won five of their eight games under the former Liverpool and Celtic boss. City manager Guardiola said: “I think Brendan shows his incredible quality as a manager, by the fact that in just two months they are playing the way he wants to play. “Everyone knows their position, the movements are well coordinated and they have incredible quality up front. They have the people in front, and (Harvey) Barnes, (Demarai) Gray, (James) Maddison, (Marc) Albrighton are so fast. They have incredible quality. “I saw three games and I was really impressed with the way they played. The players know it will be an incredible task for us but, of course, it’s already a final for us. “And the fact that it’s the last game at home, hopefully people will come and help us and we do what we have to do, which is to win our game.” Guardiola last came up against a Rodgers side when City faced Celtic in the group stages of the Champions League in 2016-17. Both matches ended in draws – 3-3 on a pulsating night in Glasgow and 1-1 at the Etihad Stadium. Guardiola expects things to be just as difficult. He said: “I think there will be high pressing, good build-up, quality in the middle. They are going to attack, like Celtic did here and at Celtic Park. “He played against Arsenal and even with 11 v 11 they were better. It’s a good side, a really good team.” City will again be without Kevin De Bruyne, who has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury. Midfielder Fernandinho is a doubt with a knee problem. Topics Leicester City, Manchester City, Brendan Rodgers, Pep Guardiola, Premier League, Man City Pep Guardiola expects no let up from Liverpool in title race Rodgers hopes Klopp pays up regardless of Leicester result at Manchester City Sterling maturity impresses old boss Rodgers Guardiola to assess Roberts situation at end of season Real Madrid win race for in-demand Bundesliga striker – report Here’s why Manchester United and Liverpool could both miss out on Joao Felix this summer Ruben Loftus-Cheek determined to overcome back injury and find best form Manchester United have told Real Madrid how much it will cost them to sign Paul Pogba Chelsea and Manchester United on red alert as Real Madrid make star available for transfer The £60 million sixth-choice forward: what’s happened to Riyad Mahrez at Manchester City? Real Madrid set date to confirm Eden Hazard signing – report Pontus Jansson: “I had an offer to leave Leeds last summer – but I didn’t want people to remember me for negative things” Quiz! Can you name the Chelsea squad that won the Europa League in 2013? Friday’s big transfer rumours: £35 million rated teenage star ready to choose Tottenham over PSG and Juventus
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