clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Match Preview: Manchester United v Leicester City

A welcomed return to club football sees the Foxes travel to the grimmer part of Manchester.

Leicester City v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City via Getty Images

A proper British 3 p.m. kickoff! Or 10 a.m. ET if you’re in the United States. Club football is back and while the international break did not lack entertainment, one can only listen to so much ranting about England’s 5-3 win over Kosovo.

Manchester United

The Red Devils did not get any healthier over the break and will still be without key players. There will be absolutely no Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial, but Jesse Lingard and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are a coin flip. My guess is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will have them on the bench but will play little to no part.

Manchester United Press Conference
Is it just me, or does he look like he’s saying “Trixy Foxes-es.” in a Sméagol sort of tone?
Photo by John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images

I get the feeling United is going to try and come out of the gate just like Chelsea did and get an early goal and let Leicester try and break them down. Marcus Rashford will spearhead their attack and Wales 2nd sweetheart, after Gareth Bale of course, Daniel James is the absolute danger man with three goals from four matches.

Leicester City

I’d like to personally thank Gareth Southgate for including James Maddison but not playing him. May that scorn forever light a fire in him that he shall release on the red of Manchester. I would insert a clever gif of James’ head superimposed over a dragon from GOT lighting something on fire, but you’re imagination will just have to suffice.

Leicester City Training and Press Conference
Even water can’t get past Kasper.
Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images

While this is being touted as Leicester’s chance to crack the top 6, we should all be aware that Leicester haven’t beaten United since that 5-3 game and have not won in Manchester since January 31st, 1998 when Tony Cottee scored in the 30th minute via a Garry Parker assist. I’m not underestimating Leicester’s chances at getting a result, I think a goose-egg here would be a big three points lost, Martin Atkinson is the ref and it’s at Manchester United.

Match Prediction

I think United go up 1-0 early on a silly mistake, only for Leicester to equalize shortly after. My hope is Brendan Rodgers plays two true wingers so we can get the most out of Youri Tielemans and Madders. That 1-1 at halftime leads to some tense moments early in the second half, but Çağlar Söyüncü, AKA SLABCHIN, rounds Harry Maguire on a set piece and scores the winner for his Foxes.