Leicester vs Manchester United: Preview & Prediction

The top two go head to head in Saturday’s evening kick-off as Leicester City host Manchester United knowing a win will maintain their position at the top of the Premier League table.

Four wins on the spin sees Claudio Ranieri’s side sit proudly at the summit after over a third of the season gone, but in truth their form has lasted for longer than the 13 games of the current campaign.

Leicester’s resurgence from the bottom of the top tier began at the beginning of April, and if the season had started then the Foxes would actually be six points clear at the top.

Jamie Vardy has grabbed all the headlines by scoring in 10 straight games and the former Fleetwood star can break Ruud van Nistelrooy’s record if he scores against the Dutchman’s former side.

The England international has fond memories of the last time Manchester United travelled to the King Power Stadium, scoring once and assisting four others in a 5-3 win last September.

City and their number 9 may find United’s defence a lot tougher to breach than previous opponents though, as Louis van Gaal’s men have only let in one goal in their last five games.

David De Gea has been back to his brilliant best between the sticks for United, who have the best defensive record in the league with only nine conceded.

The Red Devils’ problem is they have only scored 19 times, nine less than their hosts, and failed to score for the fifth time in their last 10 matches in all competitions in a disappointing goalless draw at home to PSV on Wednesday.

Nevertheless, United are currently only a point behind Ranieri’s men and know a victory will take them to the summit.

Team News:

Leicester continue to count their blessings on the injury front as they have a largely healthy squad.

Long-term absentee Matty James (knee) is the only player on the treatment table and Ranieri is expected to name a similar team to the one that beat Newcastle 3-0 last week.

Ander Herrera, Phil Jones and Michael Carrick are all major doubts for United ahead of the top of the table clash.

Luck Shaw (broken leg) and Antonio Valencia (ankle) are long-term casualties.

League Position: Leicester City – 1st (28 pts); Manchester United – 2nd (27 pts)
Last Meeting: Manchester United 3-1 Leicester City, January, 2015
Key Players: Leicester City – Jamie Vardy; Manchester United – David De Gea
Premier League Form: Leicester City – WDWWWW; Manchester United – LWDDWW
Shoot Says: Leicester City 1-1 Manchester United