Leicester City vs Manchester United Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Leicester City:
Schmeichel, Justin, Fofana, Evans, Castagne, Ndidi, Tielemans, Maddison, Albrighton, Barnes, Vardy
Manchester United:
De Gea, Tuanzebe, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw, Fred, Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, Greenwood, Rashford, Martial
Leicester City have collect 27 points, one mores than their actual opponents. Overall, they have 9 victories and 5 defeats so far in the Premier League. Their "all-or-nothing" philosophy resulted with no draw in the first 14 rounds. In their most recent fixtures, Leicester beat Tottenham. Jamie Vardy's penalty and a Toby Alderweireld own goal secured a 2:0 win in London. That was the third victory in the last four. Previously the Foxes lost 2:0 at home from Everton, while managed to beat Sheffield United and Brighton. Jamie Vardy has been directly involved in 15 goals in his 13 league appearances this season. At the same time he became the first player to score an away goal against an opponent at three different venues in the competition - White Hart Lane, Wembley and New Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The atmosphere in the squad is good, while the players confidence is high. Most of the fans are hoping for repetition of the season 2015/16 when their team won the title against all odds. Leicester have also secured the knock-out stage in UEFA Europe League and they will face Slavia Prague from Czech Republic in February. The club feelgood factor was this week enhanced by the opening of a new £100million training ground, which has a private nine-hole golf course. As manager Brendan Rodgers said, "it is the most significant investment in the club history." He added: "When players see the facility, that will definitely help us. The club have always attracted really good players but we are now moving into an elite venue which will be a great help." For this match Rodgers has two unavailable players as Daniel Amartey and Ricardo Pereira remain sidelined due to injuries. With two games in three days coming up for the Foxes, rotation is very important during the busy festive period. Nevertheless, I think Rodgers will name his strongest line-up here. Timothy Castagne, who started for the first time in two months after a hamstring injury last weekend, is likely to keep his place. Dennis Praet, the player able to cope with the threat of Bruno Fernandes, is surely in Rodgers' thoughts. Jamie Vardy will lead the line despite the fact he hasn't scored in his last three appearances against United. Central defender Caglar Soyuncu who has just recovered, may not be risked here, but three days later against Crystal Palace.
Manchester United were inconsistent during the season, but finally look good. They have 26 points, five less than league leaders Liverpool, but played a game less. That means the difference could be cut to only two points. The Red Devils are in nice form, winning six of the last seven league matches. They shared the points with Manchester City, while managed to beat Everton, West Bromwich, Southampton, West Ham, Sheffield United and Leeds during the weekend. The last victory was impressive, they destroyed Marcelo Bielsa’s side winning 6:2. It was their best display this season and perfect respond to Leeds’ well known pressing game. McTominay fired United ahead after 67 seconds. He then became the first player to score twice in the opening three minutes of a Premier League match, collected a clever pass from Martial. Bruno Fernandes made it 3:0 in the 20th minute, while Lindelof added the fourth in the 37th minute. Dan James scored the fifth goal, while Fernandes netted his second from the penalty spot in the 70th minute. Leeds scored twice, but nobody cares about that. It was the first time since August 2011 United to score more than five goals in a Premier League game. In addition, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men secured League Cup semi-final after beat Everton 2:0 on Wednesday night. The match was virtually decided in the 88th minute when Edinson Cavani scored the first goal, while Martial's injury time goal closed the match. The atmosphere in the squad is just perfect, while the players confidence is very high. Most of the players are available, but Solskjaer has three injury worries. Marcos Rojo remain sidelined, while Scott McTominay and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who missed the last match at Goodison Park, are rated as doubtful. Nevertheless, the Norwegian coach must consider some rotations with the clash against Wolverhampton coming on Tuesday.
Leicester City vs Manchester United Prediction:
Manchester United are fantastic on road, they have won their last 10 away games in the Premier League. They also beat Everton at Goodison Park in EFL Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday. Leicester City, meanwhile, are "Giant-killers". The Foxes have defeated Manchester City, Tottenham and Arsenal so far, losing only to the reigning champions Liverpool. But at the same time they are surprisingly vulnerable at home, losing to West Ham, Aston Villa, Fulham and Everton. I expect an interesting match and I think Manchester United are closer to the victory at the King Power Stadium.
Leicester City vs Manchester United Pick: Away win @ 2.38 with Unibet