An impressive Manchester United side host a resurgent Leicester City this Sunday as both teams look to maintain their three-game unbeaten streak moving forward. Fresh from delivering a competitive display against Barcelona in their mid-week Europa League tie, the Red Devils will look to remain consistent in their performances whilst the visitors will be keen on building on their momentum as they aim to improve on their league position over the coming weeks.
With only six points alongside a game-in-hand separating them and second-placed Manchester City, United will be keen on securing nothing but three points later today at Old Trafford. With manager Erik Ten Hag expected to field a near full-strength starting line-up against the Foxes, the Dutchman will be keen on a dominant display as the Red Devils look to maintain their notable standard of performances moving further into the season.
On the other hand, having secured victories in each of their last two league outings heading into the fixture, Leicester will be keen on securing a positive result this weekend. Boasting an in-form attacking force capable of testing the home side’s defensive organisation, Brendan Rodgers’ side will look to deliver a competitive display of their potential at Old Trafford later today.
When & Where?
Venue: Old Trafford.
Date: Sunday, 19th February 2023.
Time: 14:00 GMT.
Match Officials
Referee: Stuart Attwell.
Assistant Referees: Darren Cann, Ian Hussin.
Fourth Official: Peter Bankes.
VAR Official: Paul Tierney.
Team News
Manchester United
Ten Hag remains without the services of Donny Van De Beek, Christian Eriksen, Anthony Martial, Scott McTominay, and, Antony due to injury whilst Casemiro is set to serve the final game of his three-match domestic suspension after picking up a red card against Crystal Palace in the league earlier this month.
United are expected to remain majorly unchanged following their mid-week result against Barcelona, with each of Diogo Dalot, Marcel Sabitzer, and Lisandro Martinez expected to return to the starting line-up. Wout Weghorst is expected to lead the line on Sunday while youngster Alejandro Garnacho will be pushing for a starting spot in attack against Leicester.
Leicester City
As for the visitors, full-backs James Justin and Ryan Bertrand alongside centre-back Jonny Evans remain out of contention due to long-term injuries although the likes of Youri Tielemans and Boubakary Soumare are expected to return to the match-day squad later today.
Rodgers is unlikely to make major changes to the starting line-up despite the return of key players from injury as Leicester look to secure consistency in their performance alongside a positive result at Old Trafford.
Match Analysis
With both teams keen on improving on their recent set of results, Sunday’s tie is expected to produce a mouth-watering clash at Old Trafford. Expected to remain insistent in retaining control of the game, the hosts will be keen on delivering a compelling display whilst the visitors will look to make the best of their opportunities in a bid to pin the pressure back on the opposition from the onset later today.
Having been adaptable and dominant in their recent displays, United will look to exploit the opposition’s weaknesses on the pitch. Boasting a versatile front-three, the Red Devils are likely to rely on the interchanging of their attackers alongside being proactive out of possession in a bid to pressurise the visitors into making unforced errors this weekend. Additionally, with the wide areas expected to provide for numerous opportunities during attacking transitions and quick turnovers in possession, the hosts will look to stretch the opposition in possession in a bid to exploit the space within the central areas of the pitch at Old Trafford.
On the other hand, expected to remain solid in defence alongside being optimistic in possession, Leicester will look to play through United’s midfield and wide areas of the pitch later today. Possessing an enticing blend of personnel across the midfield and attack, Rodgers’ side will be keen on a positive start to the game in a bid to thwart the opposition’s dominance on Sunday. Additionally, expected to rely on counter-attacks and quick turnovers in possession to create goal-scoring opportunities, the visitors will look to exercise control in minor parts of the game later today.
Key Players
Marcus Rashford – Manchester United
United’s most lethal forward this season, Rashford will be keen on finding the back of the net this weekend. With the forward having been prolific in front of goal under Ten Hag, the England international will be keen on making the best of his goal-scoring opportunities against Leicester.
James Maddison – Leicester City
Having scored in each of Leicester’s last three victories, Maddison is likely to emerge as the visitors’ primary creator on the pitch later today. Expected to test United’s defence on set-piece and during attacking transitions, the midfielder will be keen on performing to his potential at Old Trafford.
Predicted Line-Ups
Manchester United predicted lineup vs Leicester City: David De Gea; Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw; Marcel Sabitzer, Fred; Jadon Sancho, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford; Wout Weghorst.
Leicester City predicted lineup vs Manchester United: Danny Ward; Timothy Castagne, Harry Souttar, Wout Faes; Victor Kristiansen; Nampalys Mendy, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, James Maddison; Tete, Kelechi Iheanacho, Harvey Barnes.