Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Unibet
Two sides who find themselves in search of a real boost when returning from the international break, Leicester will host Manchester United on Saturday afternoon.
Leicester City
Starting with the hosts, while Leicester might have come within touching distance of landing a top-four finish last season, they are showing some worrying issues this time around. Despite claiming their first FA Cup crown over the summer, Brendan Rodgers’ side mark their return from October’s international break sat down in 13th and needing a real boost. Last seen earlier in the month throwing away a two-goal lead at Selhurst Park and having to settle for a 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace, Foxes fans have had little to cheer about so far this campaign. Coming under real scrutiny for their shock 1-0 defeat away at Legia Warsaw while on Europa League duties on September 30th, the one-time Liverpool boss has seen his side win just one of their last seven matchups across all formats. With that sole victory coming against Championship side Millwall in the EFL Cup last month, there is no doubt that Leicester have become far too reliant on Jamie Vardy.
Team News
Already racking up six Premier League goals so far this season, Jamie Vardy will lead Leicester’s charge at the King Power.
Northern Ireland manager Ian Baraclough said in midweek that Johnny Evans has an “outside chance” of featuring on Saturday afternoon.
Manchester United
As for the visitors, while Manchester United might make their return from the international break sat in the top-four, they’re another side who have shown some extended problems. With the pressure firmly on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s shoulders, the former Premier League champions were last seen playing out a 1-1 draw against Everton at Old Trafford. Really struggling to find top gear since opening the 2021/22 campaign, an extremely hard-fought 2-1 victory against Villarreal last month is the only win that Saturday’s guests have recorded from their last four matchups across all formats. With Solskjaer making the shock decision to leave both Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Pogba out of his starting XI against Everton last time out, United have also gained a reputation for their issues at the back. Including what was a stunning Champions League defeat against Young Boys, the English giants have managed to record just a single clean sheet so far this season.
Team News
Picking up an injury while on international duties with France, defender Raphaël Varane will be missing for the next few weeks.
After having to settle for a spot on the bench against Everton earlier in the month, both Paul Pogba and Cristiano Ronaldo are likely to come back in to Solskjaer’s starting XI this weekend.
Key Factors to Consider
- When Saturday’s opponents last faced off back in May, Leicester picking up a 2-1 victory at Old Trafford.
- In fact, the Foxes have secured back-to-back victories against Manchester United, including an FA Cup victory last season.
- Each of the last three meetings between Leicester and United have finished with both teams finding the net.
- Jamie Vardy has recorded six Premier League goals so far this season, no player has recorded more.
- Manchester United have recorded just a single clean sheet across any format since opening the 2021/22 campaign.
Conclusion
Two sides who find themselves needing a real boost this weekend, we could have a lively affair at the King Power on Saturday afternoon. With both sides having to settle for their own stalemates when heading into the international break, Leicester and Manchester United have only shown a host of defensive issues so far. Watching the likes of Jamie Vardy and Cristiano Ronaldo enjoy their own free-scoring starts to the 2021/22 campaign, don’t be surprised to see chances come thick and fast here. With each of the last three meetings finishing with both teams finding the net, we’re backing a similar outcome here.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Unibet
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
