Leicester v Man Utd – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Leicester host Man Utd at the King Power Stadium on Saturday. The hosts sit in second position, one point clear of the visitors but having played one game more. The last time these sides faced off, it was with Champions League qualification on the line and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men took the win that day. Who can close the gap to Liverpool at the summit?

Leicester Form

Brendan Rodgers’ side have had a very strong season so far. After winning six of their first eight matches, they have a slight dip with three defeats in five. Liverpool completely dominated in beating them 3-0 and 2-1 home loss to Fulham was a big disappointment.

They have returned to form with three wins in their last four in the league. Their last match saw a convincing 2-0 win away at Tottenham, the first time Rodgers had ever beaten Mourinho. Despite losing five of their first 14 Premier League matches, Leicester have not drawn on a single occasion.

Leicester Team News

Jamie Vardy picked up a knock against Tottenham but Rodgers has declared him fit to play against Man Utd. Caglar Soyuncu is close to a return and will either be back for this match or the one after to boost the options at centre back.

Ricardo Pereira is still missing with a groin problem at right back but Timothy Castagne was back for the win against Spurs to increase options in the fullback areas.

Leicester Motivation

Leicester don’t play to draw matches but they have been much more pragmatic and adaptable this season. Rodgers moves between a back three and back four system, has numerous versatile players and can play on the front foot or play deep and counter attack.

They will fancy their chances of a win against Man Utd and can adapt if they need to cede possession or if Man Utd sit deep and give them plenty of the ball.

Man Utd Form

In Premier League action, Solskjaer has his team playing very well. With six wins and one draw in their last seven, they are just five points off Liverpool with a game in hand.

Despite falling behind on numerous occasions, they have come back to beat the likes of Everton, West Ham and Sheffield United of late. In their last match, Leeds were put to the sword in a 6-2 victory which could have seen even more goals scored too.

Man Utd Team News

United rotated their side against Leeds with Scott McTominay coming in and scoring twice. He has a slight groin injury and is likely to miss out though, meaning a recall for Paul Pogba. Mason Greenwood, Alex Telles and Nemanja Matic are also likely to be recalled to the starting lineup from the last league match.

Man Utd Motivation

Knowing the big threat posed by Leicester, Man Utd can set up to be solid (possibly using Matic and Fred in deeper midfield roles) or they can play on the front foot with Pogba and Bruno Fernandes dictating affairs.

A draw would be a decent result but I see Man Utd trying to win the match, bringing on Edinson Cavani to look for a late winner in the scores are level in the second period.

Key Stats

Leicester have lost 5 of their 14 PL matches, failing to score in 4 of those defeats

Leicester have lost 4 of their last 6 home PL matches

Leicester have failed to score in 4 of their last 8 home PL matches (incl. 2-0 loss to Man Utd in July)

Man Utd have won 6 of their last 7 PL matches (D1)

Man Utd have won 10 away PL matches in a row

Man Utd have scored 2 or more goals in 6 of their last 8 matches

Man Utd have conceded 13 goals in their last 7 matches

Prediction

This is a difficult match to call. Leicester are better on the road than at home and Man Utd are currently unstoppable in away matches. Perhaps both sides are due to draw a match – Leicester for the first time this season and Man Utd after 10 away wins on the bounce.