Match Preview: Leicester City vs. Manchester United

Manchester United square off against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Thursday evening looking to record their third successive win in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, the Foxes are still searching for their first victory in the top flight, the club currently sitting bottom of the standings.

Match preview

Manchester United players celebrate Bruno Fernandes's goal against Southampton on August 27, 2022

Ahead of their meeting with Liverpool, United boss Erik ten Hag would have naturally had concerns that his side would succumb to a third defeat in a row in the Premier League.

However, in the space of two matches, the mood at Old Trafford has changed for the better, United following a 2-1 success over fierce rivals Liverpool with a 1-0 triumph at Southampton.

The most recent win came in far different circumstances and atmosphere than the Liverpool showdown, but that is what Ten Hag will take confidence from as he looks to transform United into a team which do not look devoid of character and passion against the lower teams in the division.

Bruno Fernandes answered criticism of his form with a quite wonderful finish at St Mary’s, the playmaker getting on the scoresheet for the first time since May 2.

While Ten Hag will not be getting carried away with his team scoring just four times in as many matches, they have come through the first stage of their test of character with flying colours.

Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers on August 13, 2022

Brendan Rodgers requires a similar response from his Leicester players with the club losing three consecutive fixtures in the Premier League.

Unlike against Arsenal and Southampton, there were positives to take from the display at Chelsea, although it should not be forgotten that the Foxes played against 10 men for 62 minutes plus added-on time.

Leicester have certainly not been helped by constant speculation regarding key men, but that should not be used as an excuse when too many players have under-performed during the opening weeks of the season.

Only James Maddison has performed to a high level, and Rodgers will be desperate for the playmaker to return to the squad after a minor muscle injury.

Leicester head into this fixture on a five-game unbeaten streak against United, who last defeated Thursday’s hosts in July 2020.

Team News

James Maddison in action for Leicester City on August 20, 2022

While Rodgers has claimed that he is “hopeful” over the fitness of Maddison, the midfielder may only be named on the Leicester substitutes’ bench.

Wilfred Ndidi will hope to be recalled ahead of Boubakary Soumare, while Ayoze Perez may be provided with an opportunity down the right-hand side.

Unless any developments occur with the future of Youri Tielemans, he is expected to line up in the centre of the pitch.

With Arsenal to come on Sunday, Ten Hag could take the chance to hand some minutes to Casemiro, who may take the spot of either Scott McTominay or Christian Eriksen.

Barring any injury issues, the remainder of the United starting lineup could stay the same, with Cristiano Ronaldo only being selected among the replacements if he is still at the club.

Anthony Martial will also only be named on the bench at best having been suffering with an Achilles issue.

Leicester City possible starting lineup:
Ward; Castagne, Amartey, Evans, Justin; Ndidi, Tielemans, Dewsbury-Hall; Perez, Barnes; Vardy

Manchester United possible starting lineup:
De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Malacia; Casemiro, Eriksen; Elanga, Fernandes, Sancho; Rashford

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