Following a solid 2-2 draw in a midweek UEFA Europa League matchup against Barcelona, Manchester United’s focus is swiftly returned to the Premier League (PL). The most upbeat United supporters may claim that their team is only five points off the lead going into the round, but manager Erik ten Hag has been reticent to declare his team a title challenger.
Given that United has won 13 of its past 14 home games in all competitions, you’d back them to at least maintain pressure on Manchester City and Arsenal with another three-point haul against Leicester City (D1). Although United has only won once in their last six head-to-head matches (D2, L3), there are some questions about if they can beat Leicester in the league for the first time since 2019–20. United also defeated Leicester 1-0 in the reverse match.
The recent 4-1 thrashing of Tottenham by Leicester after coming back from a goal down helped allay rising concerns that Leicester would be drawn into a relegation battle. Following their victory over Villa the previous weekend, Leicester came from behind to win two straight games in the Premier League. This victory should give them more confidence to continue their two-game league winning streak at Old Trafford (W1, D1).
The last time Leicester had a lengthier winning streak at Old Trafford was in the middle of the 1970s, and while another victory would extend that streak, it would also be their first three straight Premier League victories since January 2021. The strain on manager Brendan Rodgers has decreased as a result of four goals in the previous two victories, and it’s fortunate the Foxes are scoring freely because they haven’t kept a league clean sheet since the World Cup resumption!
Observe these players: Marcus Rashford is United’s leading scorer at the moment, and after scoring at Camp Nou, he returns to Old Trafford where he has scored in six straight Premier League home games. Kelechi Iheanacho of Leicester has been equally as important recently, contributing to five goals over the Foxes’ previous two league games (G2, A3).
Both teams have scored in five of Leicester’s previous six Premier League games under Stuart Attwell’s officiating.
TEAM NEWS
Before returning for the EFL Cup final the following weekend, Casemiro will serve the final game of his domestic three-game suspension for aggressive behavior here.
His fellow countryman Antony from Brazil is also expected to miss this game due to a slight injury, and Scott McTominay is still questionable.
Donny van de Beek and Christian Eriksen are out permanently, while Anthony Martial won’t be ready for at least another week.
Youri Tielemans, who missed Leicester’s victory over Spurs due to a calf injury, should make his comeback.
Boubakary Soumare ought to play here after being absent for almost two months, but Jonny Evans, an ex-United player, will find this game to be too soon.
James Justin and Ryan Bertrand, a pair of fullbacks who both sustained long-term injuries, are still sidelined, but the latter is getting closer to a comeback.
De Gea, Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw, Sabitzer, Fred, Fernandes, Sancho, Weghorst, and Rashford might be Manchester United’s starting eleven.
Ward, Castagne, Souttar, Faes, Kristiansen, Mendy, Dewsbury-Hall, Maddison, Tete, Iheanacho, and Barnes might be Leicester City’s starting lineup.
We Predict: Leicester City 2-1 Manchester United
Man United has not looked fantastic defensively in recent weeks despite their excellent form, especially at home, but they should win this game.
But, Leicester seems to have entirely recovered since Maddison’s return, and they will believe they can keep winning against United.