Leicester City's last visit to the Etihad Stadium was one of the most memorable days in the club's history.
It was the fixture expected to signal the end of the Foxes Premier League chances but instead in significant Manchester-drizzle, Leicester issued an emphatic message that they were indeed genuine title contenders.
That 3-1 victory will live long in the memory and although this time around there is far less to play for the Foxes are still fighting for a top-half finish.The hosts have much more at stake as they look to secure Champions League football in Pep Guardiola's maiden season in charge. Leicester must thus be on their guard, especially having leaked so many goals on the road this campaign.
Now that the pressure is off, though, and survival has been secured the Foxes can play with far less fear. It is surely no coincidence that Sunderland got relegated and then the week after put in one of their best displays of the season, beating Hull City 2-0. With nothing to gain or lose performances just magically improved.
That's why at this stage of the season many managers argue they would rather face a team with something to play for. Leicester, for instance, can (and will) be far more open and aggressive at the Etihad than they would have been had they still needed a point to avoid the Championship trapdoor.
The Foxes will certainly want to close the season strongly, if only to ensure Craig Shakespeare is offered the job next season. Shakespeare has probably already done enough to get the role long-term, with a two-year contract believed to be in the pipeline.
Plus, out of respect to the other sides chasing Champions League football it's unlikely the Leicester boss will field a weakened side. Changes will be necessary in midfield and at the back, though, with Danny Drinkwater out for the rest of the season with a thigh strain and centre-backs Robert Huth and Wes Morgan both sidelined for the game.
No nonsense Polish defedner Marcin Wasilewski might make a rare cameo or Daniel Amartey could be utilised as a makeshift defender. Neither option is ideal and either will put pressure on Wilfred Ndidi to protect the back line. With notable absentees, all with strong defensive qualities, keeping a clean sheet looks unlikely and thus there is pressure on Jamie Vardy to continue his scoring streak under Shakespeare.
Vardy actually had his best game of the season under Claudio Ranieri last December when he scored a hat trick at the King Power Stadium as the Foxes thrashed Manchester City 4-2. Guardiola didn't have an answer to the England striker that day, but will have surely hatched a plan this time around to better shut him out of the game.
Vardy will be desperate to ensure his current purple patch continues until the end of the season, while Shakespeare could actually close this campaign as the top manager in the Premier League. As things stand he has taken 22 points from 10 games since taking charge. Since that date only Tottenham and boss Mauricio Pochettino (24) boast a better record.
Leicester know how crucial momentum can be. Their great escape form under Nigel Pearson over the final nine games in 2014-2015 set them up to win the title under Ranieri.
Shakespeare's current run of results really isn't far off title-winning form, either, and if that continues over the final three matches he will not only definitely be in charge next season but perhaps eyeing an ambitious push for Europe.
Ben Jacobs is ESPN FC's Leicester City blogger. Follow him on Twitter @JacobsBen.
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