Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez
by
Phumzile Ngcatshe
Thursday Dec 21, 2017. 16:00
As Manchester City and Leicester City will renew their rivalry this weekend, the Red Devils need to be scared of the Foxes player Riyad Mahrez.
The Algerian has done exceptionally well for the 2016 English Premier League champions so far and it will require an intelligent marker to close him down.
Looking at the statistics, Mahrez has an impressive strike rate of late, scoring six goals in his last 13 appearances in all competitions, compared to just three goals in his previous 36 Leicester appearances.
The 26-year-old has already been involved in nine goals in the Premier League, the most of any Leicester player this campaign.
On the other hand, his five Premier League goals have been worth an extra six points to his side and he will want to reach his figures of 28 goal involvements in Leicester's title-winning season (17 goals and 11 assists).
Having an impressive conversion rate from long-range in recent weeks, the left footed player netted three goals from his last eight shots from outside the box.
Manager Jose Mourinho will likely assign Ashley Young to monitor Mahrez and the defender will have to be wary that four of Mahrez's last five goals in all competitions have come from when he has cut inside and shot from outside the box.
With three games to wrap up their 2017, Mahrez will hope to work hard and beat the Red Devils, Watford away on Boxing Day and Liverpool four days later.
However, with his future a subject of speculation, his availability for their game against Huddersfield on New Year’s Day remains a doubt.
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