Man Utd aim to boost title hopes with win over Leicester City

Manchester United will be desperate for a win to close-in on the top two when they take on Leicester City at Old Trafford this afternoon. After a stuttering start to the new season, the Red Devils have really found their groove in recent months and are on a long unbeaten run on home soil. United have also suffered just one defeat in their last 15 matches in all competitions, so they are certainly in fine form right now.

Erik ten Hag has instilled his beliefs on the squad and got them playing with passion and style again. United eased to a 2-0 victory over Leeds United at Elland Road last time out in the Premier League. Marcus Rashford continued his excellent form in front of goal by opening the scoring in the 80th minute. Garnacho then came off the bench to seal the win for Man Utd.

The win last Sunday means United head into this game in touching distance with the top two – Manchester City and Arsenal – so ten Hag will be keen to close the gap with another three points today. It would also cement their position in third place as it would extend their advantage over Newcastle United. Victory would also move United one step closer to securing Champions League qualification as they’d widen the gap on fifth-placed Tottenham.

However, Manchester United will welcome a rejuvenated Leicester City side to Old Trafford this afternoon. Brendan Rodgers’ team have endured a difficult season and were languishing in the bottom three not long ago. But an excellent 4-2 win at Aston Villa got their campaign back on track before a resounding 4-1 win over Tottenham at the King Power last weekend.

Leicester are now clear of the drop zone but Rodgers will want to put even more room between them and the relegation dog fight by coming away with a positive result against United today.

How to watch

Any game involving Man Utd is usually a sell-out so getting hold of Manchester United tickets can be a tough task for supporters. Even at a stadium like Old Trafford – that has a capacity of over 70,000 – it can be difficult to get hold of matchday tickets through official channels as they sell out so quickly. Fans may want to consider using reputable ticket reselling sites in order to get their hands on a ticket for this game.

Fortunately for those supporters not lucky enough to be attending the game in person, the match has been chosen to be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Subscribers will therefore be able to watch the action live on their TV’s, laptops or mobile devices.

Injury woes

Despite their impressive run of form, Manchester United have been dealing with a lengthy injury list. Ten Hag will continue to be without the services of Anthony Martial this afternoon as the French international is still struggling to overcome a groin issue that’s hampered him recently.

Summer signing Antony has also been on the sidelines with a leg injury over the past few games and he remains a major doubt to face Leicester. Scott McTominay is another doubt for the game as the Scotsman is still nursing a knock that’s kept him out for the last four games.

Casemiro remains suspended after receiving a red card against Crystal Palace earlier this month while Christian Eriksen is out for the rest of the season with a serious ankle injury. Donny van de Beek is also not going to feature again this season after undergoing surgery on a knee injury that he sustained a month ago.

As for Leicester, they’ll continue to be without James Justin as he’s still recovering from a calf injury while Ryan Bertrand is also out with a knee problem so Rodgers is without two important full-backs.

Centre-back Jonny Evans is a major doubt to face his former club with a calf injury and Youri Tilemans faces a late fitness test on his own calf complaint. Rodgers will hope the Belgian international is passed fit as he’s an important player for Leicester. Fellow midfielder Boubakry Soumare could return from a thigh problem but may have to settle for a place on the bench.

Line-ups

Ten Hag will be tempted to stick with the same side that beat Leeds last weekend but he’s still likely to rotate his squad following the game with Barcelona in midweek. David De Gea will keep goal once again while Diogo Dalot should return at right-back. Raphael Varane should start in the middle of defence along with Lisandro Martinez recalled after being suspended in midweek. So Luke Shaw should start at left-back with Tyrell Malacia making way.

Marcel Sabitzer has made a promising start to his career at Man Utd following his arrival from Bayern Munich in January. The Austrian should return in midfield after serving a European suspension and he’ll start alongside Fred. Bruno Fernandes is certain to start once again while Rashford should keep his place in support of striker Wout Weghorst. The big question mark is who starts on the wing with Jadon Sancho and Garnacho both hoping to get the nod.

Rodgers is highly likely to keep faith with the eleven that thrashed Tottenham last time out. Darren Ward will retain the gloves in goal while Timothy Castange, Harry Souttar, Wout Faes and Victor Kristiansen should make-up the back four. Nampalays Mendy will be partnered by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in midfield while James Maddison will get another start after his impressive showing against Spurs.

Tete has made a strong start to life in the Premier League following his arrival in January and he should start once again for Leicester on the wing. Harvey Barnes should also keep his place in attack with Kelechi Iheanacho leading the line up front. That means Jamie Vardy will have to settle for a place on the bench.

Man Utd: De Gea, Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw, Fred, Sabitzer, Fernandes, Sancho, Rashford, Weghorst

Leicester: Ward, Castagne, Souttar, Faes, Kristiansen, Mendy, Dewsbury-Hall, Tete, Maddison, Barnes, Iheanacho

Prediction

Manchester United have lost just one of their last 20 games at home, and have won six of their last seven, so Old Trafford is becoming a fortress again. Leicester have lost seven of their last 12 games on the road, which doesn’t bode well heading to Manchester today. United have kept nine clean sheets during their impressive 20-game run, so they’ll be confident of beating Leicester this afternoon.

Thursday’s trip to Spain may have taken it’s toll on the United squad so we might not see them at their free flowing best, but we still expect ten Hag’s side to ease to victory over the Foxes today. Man Utd 2-0 Leicester