Manchester United vs Leicester City Match Preview: Kick-off time, Team News, TV Channel and Score Prediction
After going toe-to-toe with Barcelona at the Nou Camp, it’s back to Old Trafford and Premier League action as Manchester United host Leicester City.
How do Manchester United look?
Last time out Manchester United faced Barcelona in the first leg of their Europa League knockout tie. Due to the form of the Catalonians many would’ve expected United to falter in a game like this especially given their two previous performances against Leeds United. This was far from the reality though, Erik ten Hag’s side were able to consistently create chances against the Barcelona defence and looked threatening in attacking areas. The first half ended 0-0 after some good chances from both sides but it would be Barcelona who struck first through Marcos Alonso. The fullback got onto the end of a wonderful Raphinha corner delivery and headed past David De Gea.
It didn’t take United long to respond with none other than Marcus Rashford levelling the scores just two minutes later. Rashford made a good run past Marcos Alonso allowing Fred to slip him in, United’s talisman seemed to have taken the ball too wide but managed the sneak the ball past Marc Andre Ter Stegen at his near post from an acute angle. Rashford wasn’t done there and gave United the lead moments later.
He went short for Luke Shaw’s corner to pick up to the ball before skipping past Raphinha and driving into the box. The Englishman smashed the ball across the six yard box and the ball bounced off Jules Kounde and went into his own goal. United were flying and looked as if they could come away from the Camp Nou with a victory, but Raphinha had other ideas. The Brazilian was Barcelona’s best player on the night and levelled the scoring when he cut onto his left foot and delivered a ball into the box towards Robert Lewandowski. The ball narrowly missed the striker but also went through all of Manchester United’s defenders and passed De Gea in goal. Both sides had good chances to score and a draw was a fair result leaving everything to play for at Old Trafford.
Opposition: Leicester City
Leicester City have had a recent upturn in form after a horrible start to their season. The foxes began their Premier League campaign collecting one point from their first seven games but seem to be having a mini resurgence with key players coming back from injury and other just stepping up. Leicester have won their last four games in all competitions including a 4-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur and a 4-1 win over Leicester.
The Foxes main threat this season has been James Maddison. The silky number ten has been central to everything good Leicester have done this season, chipping in with nine goals and five assists. Maddison’s creativity will be a threat for Leicester and United’s defence will need to shut him down and stop him from getting a hold of the game. United should also se be wary of Kelechi Iheanacho. The Nigerian striker has been in fine form when given the minutes this season
Prediction
Manchester United will be the favourites for this game due to their recent form and will expect to win this game. The Reds have made Old Trafford a fortress this season and should be able to get all three points. Leicester will not be a pushover and have consistently caused United problems since they’ve been in the Premier League. They will be feeling confident after their last two results in the league and will believe they can come to Old Trafford and leave with something.
Manchester United 3-1 Leicester.
