The Premier League action resumes after an uneventful international break for Manchester United which saw them lose 3 starters to injury.
Paul Pogba (Ankle), Aaron Wan Bissaka (Back) and Jesse Lingard all returned injured from the national camps. Manchester United face a tricky opposition in Leicester City who would be buoyed by a confident start to the Premier League campaign.
The visitors are one of the only three unbeaten clubs this season. The Foxes lie 5 spots ahead of United on the League table and will be seeking their 1st win over them in 10 league games (L9 D1). The game sees Man United €87m signing Harry Maguire face his former club for the first time. The Red Devils, who will be looking for their 1st win in 4 games, sit 8th on the table with 5 points.
LCFC midfielder Marc Albrighton is confident his side can earn a victory at Old Trafford. He said, “There’s no reason why we can’t do it. We’re going there full on confidence and we’re playing with freedom”.
Ole speaking to the press on Friday said, ” Leicester is always a tough game. There’s a team, a club wanting to push into the top 4 I’m sure”.
This fixture last season saw Marcus Rashford score the lone goal. The previous 2 encounters have ended as United wins – 2-1 and 2-0.
PREDICTED LINE-UPS :
Manchester United are notably the most injury hit side with 7 top names needing medical treatment. The French duo of Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial are both likely to miss out on the game.
New signing Aaron Wan Bissaka might also be forced to the bench because of a back problem. Argentine Marcos Rojo is expected to replace him.
Juan Mata and Nemanja Matic are expected to get their 1st starts of the season.
Daniel James is set to start for a 4th game running.
Mata will be positioned behind Marcus Rashford in a play-making role. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be continuing with a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Predicted Line-up : De Gea, Rojo, Lindelof, Maguire, Young, McTominay, Matic, James, Mata, Pereira, Rashford. – 4-2-3-1
Leicester City have their influential leader Wes Morgan back in training. Matty James still remains sidelined. The Foxes would be banking on Jamie Vardy who has netted 3 goals in his last 2 games.
Premier League Goal of the Month winner Harvey Barnes will be getting the nod for his 1st league start of the season.
James Maddison is in sensational form having provided for 2 goals this season already and should be the player under the spotlight. The midfielder has attracted interest from Liverpool. This is a game where they can threaten Manchester United. Brendan Rodgers’ side are very good with the ball.
Predicted Line-up: Schmeichel, Pereira, Evans, Söyüncü, Chilwell, Ndidi, Albrighton, Tielemans, Maddison, Barnes, Vardy. 4-1-4-1
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester (76000)
English Premier League, Game week 5.
Time: 15:30 BST, Saturday.
