Manchester United is facing a string of important games, yet their players persistently display their expertise in all four competitions. Since returning from the World Cup, they have become accustomed to playing games every few days. Nevertheless, the team exhibited their self-assurance during the 2-2 draw against Barcelona on Thursday. They now shift their attention back to the Premier League for the final time this month.
Manchester United
While Manchester United is aiming for a top-four finish, recent outcomes have led both fans and players to consider making a late run for the Premier League title. Although they are in third place on the league table, they are only five points behind league leaders, Manchester City. Their record at home is impressive, with eight wins, two draws, and one loss. They are set to play at home this weekend.
Manchester United is on an impressive run, having gone unbeaten for seven games in all competitions and scoring at least twice in their last eight matches. Their success has earned them a place in the League Cup Final, as well as the FA Cup Fifth Round, and they are considered favourites to progress to the Europa League Last 16. Although their 13-game winning streak at Old Trafford ended in a 2-2 draw against Leeds United, Manchester United demonstrated great resilience by coming back from a 0-2 deficit in the second half of the match.
Unfortunately, Scott McTominay, Antony, and Anthony Martial will be unavailable for selection. Meanwhile, Casemiro will miss the game due to his three-game domestic ban. To manage the squad effectively, Erik ten Hag may opt to rotate the team by bringing in players like Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Marcel Sabitzer, and Alejandro Garnacho for this league fixture.
Leicester City
Under the guidance of Brendan Rodgers, Leicester City appears to have overcome a difficult period and is on an upward trajectory. With time still left in the season, the club aims to achieve a memorable campaign by pushing into the top half of the Premier League table and potentially winning their second FA Cup in three years.
After a significant home victory over Tottenham Hotspur, the Foxes have climbed to the 13th position in the Premier League table. However, they are still only six points ahead of the relegation zone. It’s worth noting that Leicester City has won more away league games than at the King Power Stadium this season. They possess a 4-0-7 record on their travels and are heading to Old Trafford next.
Leicester City has extended their unbeaten streak to four games across all competitions, winning three of them consecutively. Their recent triumphs include back-to-back victories over Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, in which they scored a total of four goals. Prior to their win at Villa Park, Leicester City had suffered Premier League defeats at the hands of Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, although they did manage to secure two away victories in the FA Cup during that period.
Unfortunately, Jonny Evans will not be able to play against his former club. However, both Youri Tielemans and Boubakary Soumare will be available for selection.
Head to Head
Earlier this season, Jadon Sancho scored the decisive goal in the first half, securing a victory for Manchester United at the King Power Stadium.
However, Manchester United has struggled to defeat Leicester City in their past two home games. They suffered a 1-2 loss to the Foxes in May 2021 and could only manage a 1-1 draw last season.
TWV Sport Team Thoughts
Despite recent setbacks against Crystal Palace, Arsenal, and Leeds United, Manchester United remains a contender in the Premier League title race. However, the competition is fierce now that Manchester City has claimed the top spot in the division, and the Red Devils cannot afford many more slip-ups. As it stands, there are only five points separating the two Manchester clubs, although this could change following Sunday’s game.
Furthermore, Manchester United’s squad is being tested as they juggle progress in four different competitions. Nevertheless, their recent 2-2 draw against Barcelona highlights the team’s improvement. Additionally, Marcus Rashford has emerged as one of the most in-form players in the Premier League and perhaps even across Europe.
Although his contributions have been immense, Manchester United needs more players to step up if they are to achieve the success they desire. The upcoming match against Leicester City presents an opportunity for other players to showcase their abilities.
Leicester City’s recent form has been impressive, having won consecutive Premier League games. However, they remain vulnerable defensively, and Brendan Rodgers must be satisfied with their attacking prowess. With James Maddison back in the squad, Leicester City has scored four goals in each of their last two wins against Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur.
Leicester City have had some success at Old Trafford in recent seasons, but it will be a challenging task to contain a confident Manchester United side. Although Casemiro’s absence may give Leicester City hope of causing problems for Manchester United, I anticipate an entertaining game. Additionally, it is not easy to play after a Europa League match, as Manchester United have dropped points in two out of four Premier League games played on a Sunday after a Europa League fixture this season.
Despite this, I believe that Manchester United’s momentum is on their side, and they will create scoring opportunities against Leicester City. If Manchester United can score first, it will energise the home crowd, and I think they will thrive in that atmosphere, ultimately winning an exciting match.
Match Result Prediction
Manchester United to win.
Score Prediction
Manchester United 2 – 0 Leicester City
