Team News
The hosts will be without Abdul Fatawu, who is sidelined with an ACL injury, while Harry Souttar remains unavailable due to an Achilles issue. Additionally, Odsonne Édouard (undisclosed) is a doubt ahead of this clash. On a more positive note, Ricardo Pereira made his return from a lengthy four-month layoff last weekend, featuring as a substitute. The Portuguese full-back is in contention for a place in the squad once again.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have several injury concerns. Leny Yoro (foot), Luke Shaw (calf), Lisandro Martínez (knee), Amad Diallo (ankle), and Kobbie Mainoo (calf) are all ruled out. However, former Leicester defender Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte could return to the squad after recovering from their respective injuries. Altay Bayındır (undisclosed), Tom Heaton (undisclosed), and Jonny Evans (back) remain doubts for the visitors. Adding to their selection woes, January signing Patrick Dorgu is suspended following his red card against Ipswich Town. Mason Mount is back in contention following a lengthy absence but is expected to start on the bench, having been out of action for three months.
Form Guide
Manchester United have struggled away from home this season, winning just three and drawing five of their 13 away league fixtures. Only four teams in the division have fared worse on the road. One of those sides is Leicester City, who have endured a difficult return to the Premier League following their promotion from the Championship. After Enzo Maresca’s departure to Chelsea last summer, his replacement, Steve Cooper, lasted just 12 league games before being dismissed in November. At the time of his sacking, the Foxes sat 16th, two points above the relegation zone. Since then, their fortunes have worsened, with the club now 19th and six points adrift of safety. It seems like things will not end well for Leicester and they seem likely to return to the Championship.
United have also endured a frustrating league campaign, currently languishing in 14th with just 10 games remaining. However, they responded to their FA Cup exit at the hands of Fulham with back-to-back draws against Real Sociedad and Arsenal, before securing a crucial 4-1 win over Sociedad in the Europa League. That victory sealed their place in the quarter-finals, where they will face Lyon. With their hopes of qualifying for European competition via the league fading, United are likely to view the Europa League as their best route back into the Champions League next season. How realistic that is to happen, it remains to be seen, but there are some slight signs that United’s form could be on the rise just before the international break.
Predicted Outcome
Leicester have struggled to find the back of the net, particularly at home, and their difficulties in attack could continue this weekend. United have already beaten the Foxes three times this season and will head into this encounter full of confidence after their dominant midweek victory in Europe. We predict Manchester United will get a comfortable 2-0, to continue their good results against Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side.
