Leicester v Man Utd – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Leicester hosts Man Utd at the King Power Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon. The Foxes are winless in four league matches whilst Man Utd are struggling too, with three defeats in six in all competitions. The Red Devils are 29 away league matches unbeaten though and will fancy winning this match having lost consecutive matches to Leicester having gone 13 unbeaten against them before that.

Leicester Form

After a poor finish to last season to finish outside the top four (three defeats in their final four PL matches), The Foxes have also been indifferent this term. Their first seven league matches have seen just two wins and they are winless in four.

After a 2-1 loss away at Brighton, they twice came from behind to draw 2-2 at home to Burnley.

Their last match saw the side surrender a 2-0 lead after an hour to draw 2-2 at Crystal Palace. It was a far from impressive performance as they had just 40% possession and were outshot 18-9.

Leicester Team News

Brendan Rodgers is without long-term injury victims at the back in Wesley Fofana and James Justin. Jonny Evans is also a major doubt with a foot problem but could return in time to start.

Wilfried Ndidi is out for a few weeks in central midfield so Hamza Choudhury could deputize again. The big question is how Rodgers fit in both Jamie Vardy and the in-form Kelechi Iheanacho for this match. He went with a flat 4-4-2 last time out but that may mean his side is too open against an opponent like Man Utd.

Leicester Motivation

Rodgers has been pragmatic in many big matches. His approach will be clear from his team selection so be sure to check the line-up 60 minutes before kick-off for any late bets.

If Leicester uses a flat 4-4-2 with two strikers and two attacking wingers in Harvey Barnes and Ademola Lookman, then goals look a certainty in this match. The Foxes could also drop one of the front four and bring in an extra defensive midfielder in Boubakary Soumare.

Man Utd Form

United are 29 away Premier League matches unbeaten but are in something of a mini-crisis as pressure steadily mounts on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The last six matches in all competitions have yielded just two wins and three defeats. A last-kick 2-1 loss with ten men at Young Boys was followed by a mixed performance to win 2-1 at West Ham.

United then lost consecutive home matches 1-0, first to West Ham in the Carabao Cup (with a rotated XI but still a still side) and then to Aston Villa in the league. They bounced back to score in the final minute to beat Villarreal 2-1 at home. They conceded 2.4 xG to just 1.3 xG produced in a concerning performance. Their most recent match was a 1-1 home draw with Everton in a match in which they were outplayed for large parts.

Man Utd Team News

United is still without Marcus Rashford in attack but he is not far off a return. Harry Maguire is still expected to be out and his partner Raphael Varane was injured on France duty and has a groin complaint. Should both miss out, then Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof would deputize.

Cristiano Ronaldo was only a substitute against Everton but will start for sure in this match. Paul Pogba should also return, probably on the left wing to facilitate Nemanja Matic to partner with Scott McTominay. Fred only arrives back on the day of this match from Brazil duty and will miss out. Edinson Cavani will also be absent after his involvement in Uruguay.

Man Utd Motivation

Man Utd really needs a win from this match and has little choice but to attack as they have defensive injuries and are not equipped to absorb pressure.

The side faces a key fixture against Atalanta on Wednesday which is a must-win so that could distract the players to a degree.

Key Stats

Leicester have lost 6 of their last 12 home PL matches

Leicester have conceded 9 goals in their last 4 home PL matches

Leicester have seen over 2.5 goals in 5 of their last 6 home PL matches

Leicester have conceded at least 2 goals in their last 3 PL matches

Man Utd are 29 away PL matches unbeaten

Man Utd are 7 matches without clean sheets in all competitions

Man Utd have lost 2 of their last 15 matches against Leicester (W9, D4)

Man Utd have lost their last 2 matches against Leicester (2-1, 3-1)

Verdict

This look is set to be a match featuring goals considering both sides’ defensive woes and poor current form. The match could go any of three ways but most likely is for there to be plenty of goals. United is very strong on the road and Leicester is poor at home so the Red Devils are worth backing.