Leicester City welcome Premier League big-spenders Manchester City to the Walkers Stadium tomorrow in what could be the highest attendance of the season.
And what a tantalising draw this is for the 31,000 supporters travelling to the city centre. From Serge Pizzorno and Liam Gallagher pulling the numbers out of the bag, to the head-to-head between Roberto Mancini and Sven Goran Eriksson, his former mentor. Eriksson will also be facing a team he managed to moderate success until 2008 when he was controversially shown the door.
Mancini's men will travel without new £27 million signing Edin Dzeko as his registration was not completed in time for the fixture, whilst Eriksson has the option of handing a début to defender Sol Bamba. Kyle Naughton, meanwhile, is now eligible for selection after his loan was extended until the end of the season.
The two sides meet for the first time in seven years, the last fixture being a thumping 3-0 victory in the Premier League for Leicester at Eastlands. However, in the five times the teams have faced each other in the FA Cup third round, it has been the Manchester side that has prospered. On the other hand, Leicester's form against higher-placed teams in the FA Cup has been promising: Manchester City, Spurs, Fulham and Crystal Palace have all visited LE2 since 1983 and all have been held to at least a draw.
Yes, Manchester City have the best away record in the Premier League. Yes, they have the best defence. But this is the FA Cup, where anything can happen.
Kick Off: Sunday, 9th December 2011 (4pm)
On TV: Live on ESPN
Odds: Leicester City 9/2, Manchester City 4/6, Draw 5/2
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