Prediction: Manchester United vs Leicester

Verdict: Manchester United win & Both teams to score

Best Odds: 21/10

Bookmaker: Unibet

Turning their attention back to Premier League duties on Sunday afternoon, Manchester United will welcome Leicester to Old Trafford.

Manchester United

Starting with the hosts, opening their Europa League knockout stage adventure with a thrilling 2-2 draw away at Spanish giants Barcelona in midweek, Manchester United are in the midst of a stellar purple patch. While the Premier League giants might have opened the 2022/23 campaign with a public wobble, they are now flying high under Erik ten Hag. Gaining immediate revenge on Leeds last weekend as they claimed a 2-0 victory at Elland Road, the former Ajax boss has seen his side gain a string of plaudits. While the Red Devils might still be seeking a minor miracle if they’re to mount a famous title charge, United are cruising towards a much-needed top-four return. With the mood around Old Trafford at the highest it has been since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club 10 years ago, Sunday’s hosts have suffered just a single defeat since returning from the World Cup’s winter break.

Team News

Once again finding the net in Catalonia earlier in the week and with 14 goals in his last 16 appearances, Marcus Rashford will once again spearhead Manchester United’s attack on Sunday afternoon. Jadon Sancho will be hoping to keep his spot in ten Hag’s starting XI here.

However, United will be without the likes of Anthony Martial, Christian Eriksen, Donny van de Beek and Scott McTominay this weekend.

Leicester

As for the visitors, while Leicester might have marked their return from the World Cup break in the midst of a nightmare run of form, Brendan Rodgers’ side have come roaring back in some style. Along with opening February with an action-packed 4-2 victory away at Aston Villa, the Foxes certainly laid down a stellar marker last weekend. Putting in a season-best display at the King Power as they breezed their way to a 4-1 romp against Champions League contenders Tottenham, the one-time Liverpool boss will be desperate for his side to spring another upset here. Really pushing themselves away from a potential relegation scrap, Leicester have also recorded back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time since opening 2023. Although Rodgers’ men might face a tough trip to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, the mood in their camp should be at a recent high.

Team News

Running rampant in their 4-1 victory against Tottenham last time out, Rodgers could be tempted to name the same starting XI here. Finding the net in three straight appearances, 26-year-old Kelechi Iheanacho will lead the Foxes’ attack on Sunday afternoon.

Leicester will once again be without long-term absentees Ryan Bertrand, Johnny Evans, James Lustin and Boubakary Soumare when they travel to Old Trafford this weekend.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last met on September 1st, Manchester United picked up a 1-0 victory at the King Power.
• England international Marcus Rashford has scored 14 goals in his last 16 appearances across all formats.
• Leicester have secured back-to-back Premier League victories for the first time since opening 2023.
• Manchester United have suffered just a single defeat across any competition since returning from the World Cup break.
• Likewise, Sunday’s hosts are unbeaten at Old Trafford since way back on September 8th.

Conclusion

While Leicester might be riding a recent wave of momentum, the Foxes will know that they face a real challenge on Sunday afternoon. Although Manchester United might have been disappointed after only leaving Barcelona with a 2-2 draw in midweek, ten Hag’s side are enjoying a stellar purple patch. Appearing to cruise their way to a much-needed Champions League return in 2023, the Premier League heavyweights have also gained a reputation for their continued success on home soil. Not suffering a single defeat at Old Trafford since back on September 8th, United will be desperate to lay down another marker here. While we are backing what could be a lively affair from Manchester, we do expect a home victory.

Verdict: Manchester United win & Both teams to score

Best Odds: 21/10

Bookmaker: Unibet