Man United vs Leicester City: Predicted Starting XI
The Red Devils are back at Old Trafford this weekend, facing a Leicester City side looking to bounce back from a tough start to the season. With both teams needing a positive result, this fixture promises to be an intriguing encounter. Let's dive into the predicted starting XI for both sides.
Manchester United
Predicted Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: David de Gea
- Defence: Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw
- Midfield: Casemiro, Christian Eriksen
- Attack: Bruno Fernandes, Antony, Marcus Rashford
- Striker: Rasmus Hojlund
Key Notes:
- Hojlund's Debut? Rasmus Hojlund is expected to make his debut after recovering from a minor injury. His pace and physicality could be a potent weapon against Leicester's defence.
- Eriksen's Return: Christian Eriksen's return from injury is a welcome boost for Erik ten Hag. His creativity and passing range will be vital in unlocking Leicester's defence.
- Defence Remains Solid: The defensive pairing of Varane and Martinez continues to impress, while Dalot and Shaw offer attacking threat down the flanks.
Leicester City
Predicted Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Danny Ward
- Defence: Timothy Castagne, Wout Faes, Harry Souttar, James Justin
- Midfield: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Wilfred Ndidi, Boubakary Soumaré
- Attack: Harvey Barnes, Kelechi Iheanacho, Tete
Key Notes:
- Back Four Remains: The defensive line of Castagne, Faes, Souttar, and Justin is expected to remain intact despite a shaky start to the season.
- Barnes and Iheanacho Key: Leicester will likely look to their attacking duo of Barnes and Iheanacho to provide a spark in the final third.
- Soumaré's Impact: Boubakary Soumaré will be crucial in shielding the defence and providing an outlet in midfield.
Key Battles to Watch
- Hojlund vs. Souttar: The battle between the two centre-backs will be a key factor in deciding the outcome of the game. Hojlund's physicality and pace will test Souttar's defensive capabilities.
- Eriksen vs. Dewsbury-Hall: The midfield battle will be crucial in controlling the tempo of the game. Eriksen's creative passing range will be vital in unlocking Leicester's defence.
- Antony vs. Justin: The battle down the right flank will be a fascinating one, with Antony's pace and dribbling ability going up against Justin's defensive solidity.
Conclusion
This match promises to be a tightly contested affair, with both sides looking for a much-needed win. While Manchester United's attacking threat is undeniable, Leicester City's counter-attacking prowess should not be underestimated. The result will likely hinge on the ability of both sides to maintain defensive solidity and capitalise on their attacking opportunities.