It has been an interesting international break. Leicester City host Manchester United in a match that is shaping up to be crucial for both teams. It has been a slow start for the Foxes, who have taken just eight points from their opening seven matches. After two seasons battling at the top of the division, they will be hoping to move up the league table in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Manchester United have dropped points in their last two Premier League fixtures. Another poor result will increase the scrutiny on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s position.
During the past week, there has been a lot of speculation about the future of Brendan Rodgers. Newcastle United have been linked with a move for the Leicester manager and they would have the money to pay his release clause following their takeover. However, the noises coming out of Leicester are that their manager isn’t interested in a move to the North East and he wants to remain in his current post.That is a boost for the current FA Cup holders. Despite the slow start, Rodgers has done an excellent job and it would be a blow to lose him at this stage of the campaign.
Manchester United have had a strange start to the season. They are in the top four and just two points off the early pace setters Chelsea. However, the fixture list stiffens up for them in the coming weeks. Solskjaer will need to keep in touching distance of the leaders during this period. After the club signed Cristiano Ronaldo, it raised the standards. The team needs to be challenging for major honours. If they fall off the pace, questions will be asked about the manager.
Interesting stats
- Leicester have only managed to keep a clean sheet once in their last 13 Premier League matches.
- Manchester United are currently on their record league unbeaten run away from home. They have avoided defeat in their last 29 matches on the road.
Vardy
This is an opportunity for Jamie Vardy to play a starring role in a big game. The striker has currently scored six goals across all competitions this season, showing that he continues to be the leading man in the Leicester City attack. The former England international has been averaging a goal every 117 minutes and it serves as a reminder that he can still impact matches at the highest level. Vardy relishes the opportunity to do well in big matches and this is the perfect opportunity for him to deliver for his team. Manchester United are a team that struggle against a good counter attacking team. Everton caused them a lot of problems with their pace on the counter before the international break. Despite their heavy loss, Newcastle did cause similar problems for Manchester United. It looks to be the perfect occasion for Vardy to do the damage. In addition to their issues against pace, the visitors do have their two starting centre backs missing in Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane. This is another reason why Vardy will be the key man on Saturday.
FernandesÂ
It has been a difficult period for Bruno Fernandes, as he adjusts to playing a less prominent role in Manchester United’s attack. Prior to the arrival of Ronaldo, he was the main man and every attack went through him. Although he is still prominent, he is playing a supporting role to his compatriot. Despite this, he is still having an impact in matches and he will be a huge threat on Saturday. The midfielder has scored twice against Leicester during his time in the Premier League. That will give him confidence. Leicester are conceding a lot of shots this season and their defence isn’t as reliable as it has been during recent campaigns. There will be opportunities for the visitors to shoot from range and Fernandes is not shy in doing this. During the coming weeks, Solskjaer needs his stars to step up and deliver match-winning performances. He will look to Fernandes to play a leading role and remind the world why this is his team.
Team news
Jonny Evans is nearing a return and could feature this weekend against his former club. Wilfred Ndidi and James Justin won’t be back in contention until next month. Wesley Fofana is a long term injury concern.
Varane and Maguire will both be missing, which will mean Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof could start at centre back. Marcus Rashford is back in full training and could be in line to make his first appearance of the season.
Verdict
This is going to be a huge match for both teams. A loss for either could be devastating, as they have both suffered poor results this season. There will be goals, as there is too much attacking talent on both teams. The problems that Manchester United have with defending counter attacks gives an advantage to Leicester. However, the visitors should have enough talent to get out with a point.
Leicester City 2-2 Manchester United
