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Manchester United vs Leicester City: Preview, Team News and Prediction

Manchester United vs Leicester City: Preview, Team News and Prediction

Manchester United take on Leicester City in the Premier League and let’s take a look at the team news and prediction for this big clash. The sides meet for the first time this season in a game that could directly influence the title race.

It will be the first time that both sides will be going up against each other since their winner takes all clash on the final day of 2019/20 Premier League season.

Goals from Bruno Fernandes and Jesse Lingard saw United prevail and pip the Foxes to a Champions League spot.

Manchester United vs Leicester City: Predicted XI, Team News and more
Manchester United defeated Leicester City in the corresponding fixture last season (REUTERS/Oli Scarff)

Brendan Rodgers’ side have however regrouped and are once again in the mix to launch a strong effort at finishing top four. A victory against United could also propel them into the conversation of being genuine title challengers.

Having defeated Tottenham Hotspur last week, United will have to turn up to put Leicester to the sword. With the team going through a good run of form, nothing less than three points should be on the agenda.

The Red Devils however can close the gap on Liverpool to two points with a win. While The Merseysiders could bring the lad back up to five points on Sunday, United will have a game in hand.

Leicester have beaten United just once in  their last 24 atttempts
Leicester have beaten United just once in their last 24 atttempts

Leicester have not defeated Manchester United since their famous 5-3 win over us in 2014. The Foxes have defeated us just once in the last 24 encounters.

Team News

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made a number of changes to the team that faced Everton in the Carabao Cup semifinals on Wednesday. Nine players who starred in the 6-2 demolition of Leeds Untied were given a breather.

A number of thse stars could be set for a recall on Saturday. Both Scott McTominay and Aaron Wan-Bissaka missed the clash at Everton after picking up knocks against Leeds.

Both are expected to return against Leicester. The same cannot be said of Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo, who are still out injured.

Predicted Manchester United XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

David de Gea (GK)

The Spaniard has been United’s preferred goalkeeper this season despite the return of Dean Henderson. With the 30-year-old now back to his best, he could make a telling difference for United in goal.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB)

United’s first-choice right-back, he could be set to play a major role on the night. Timothy Castagne and Harvey Barnes present a significant threat down our right flank and we will need the dependable Wan-Bissaka to neutralise the threat.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka will be needed to neutralize the Leicester left flank (Getty Images)

Victor Lindelof (RCB)

The Swede missed the trip to Everton and is expected to return this weekend. He has often partnered Harry Maguire as United’s first-choice defensive pairing and looks set to do so once again at the King Power Stadium.

Harry Maguire (LCB)

The United skipper is coming into his own and is putting up consistent performances. Gary Neville described him as undroppable and that will certainly be the case against Leicester.

Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire will go up against former Leicester City teammate Jamie Vardy
Harry Maguire will go up against former teammate Jamie Vardy (Getty Images)

He will need to ensure that neither him nor Lindelof will leave behind channels for Vardy to run into. Having played together at Leicester, the United skipper should make his use of knowledge about Vardy to the best.

Luke Shaw (LB)

The 25-year-old’s late introduction against Everton saw United score twice in the dying minutes. Shaw has been Solskjaer’s go to left-back against the big teams and could repalce Alex Telles in the starting XI.

Fred (DM)

The industrious midfielder is a bundle of energy in the middle of the park. He has formed a partnership of sorts with Scott McTominay and will need to stifle the impact a competent Leicester midfield.

Scott McTominay (DM)

A shoo-in to start given his match-winning heroics against Leeds. Looks likely to get the nod over Pogba due to his defensive discipline.

Scott McTominay and Fred will be needed to neutralize the Leicester midfield
Scott McTominay and Fred will be needed to neutralize the Leicester midfield (Getty Images)

Bruno Fernandes (CAM)

Arguably our best player and match-winner in the squad. The Portuguese star has been at the centre of what we have done this year. His vision and driving runs will give the Leicester side something to worry about.

Mason Greenwood (LW)

A livewire in the attack against Everton, the youngster is slowly returning to his best. With United likely to hit the Foxes on the counter, his pace will be needed come Saturday.

Marcus Rashford (LW)

With Ricardo Pereira still out injured, Rashford’s bag of tricks could be too much for James Justin to handle. The youngster has performed admirably of late, but will find his hands full if Rashford turns up the heat.

Marcus Rashford could prove to be a menace down the flank against Leicester
Marcus Rashford could prove to be a menace down the flank against Leicester

Anthony Martial (ST)

Martial was among the goals at Goodison Park and United will hope the Frenchman has turned a corner. Having come off the bench midweek, he could replace Edinson Cavani in the starting lineup.

More Manchester United News

Written by Pranav Nair

An Engineering postgraduate with a keen interest in statistics, pop culture and football.

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