Manchester United vs Leicester: Preview, Team News, Predicted XI | Premier League 2019/20

Mo Omi
Jamie Vardy and Paul Pogba in a tussle for possession during United's 1-0 win over Leicester last term
Jamie Vardy and Paul Pogba in a tussle for possession during United's 1-0 win over Leicester last term

Following a fortnight-long break, the Premier League returns on Saturday. Manchester United host an enterprising Leicester side in one of the weekend's 3 pm kick-offs. The Red Devils will hope to arrest a frustrating three-match winless run and kickstart their campaign against a team with lofty European ambitions.

Match preview

Harry Maguire will feature against his former side, a month after completing a world-record £80m move to the Theatre of Dreams - which broke the highest transfer fee paid for a defender in history.

Naturally, he'd be hoping for a straightforward outing but given Leicester's encouraging form to start the campaign, it'd be naive to expect any less than a hard-fought battle against his former teammates.

They are unbeaten in four league matches to start the 2019/20 campaign, including draws against Wolves and Chelsea, while winning their previous two: Sheffield United and Bournemouth before the international break.

Despite boasting a favourable H2H record against the Foxes, United are winless in three successive matches - a drastic shift from their impressive 4-0 thumping of Chelsea on the opening weekend. A late home defeat by Crystal Palace and draws against Wolves and Southampton haven't improved spirits, for a United side who are still vulnerable despite their collective quality.

Team news

Manchester United

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is expected to start a weakened eleven on this occasion, given recent injuries sustained in the build-up to a disruptive international break.

England duo Aaron Wan-Bissaka (back) and Jesse Lingard (illness), as well as France's Paul Pogba (ankle) all returned early from national team duty with their respective issues. As a result, the trio's progress will be carefully monitored and will potentially complete late fitness tests - though Solskjaer runs the risk of aggravation by rushing them back too quickly.

Pogba has been playing through a niggling ankle issue, missing France duty in preparation for this game
Pogba has been playing through a niggling ankle issue, missing France duty in preparation for this game

Luke Shaw (hamstring) and Diogo Dalot (groin) are closing in on returns but the Leicester game should come too early for the pair, while Anthony Martial (thigh) could be a matchday decision to start.

"After the international break, hopefully Anthony will be ready for the Leicester game. Luke [Shaw], maybe another week or two after that." - Ole before their 1-1 draw with Southampton

Leicester

Meanwhile, Saturday's visitors have injury issues of their own too. Brendan Rodgers will have an important decision on his hands regarding centre-back Wes Morgan (back), who is listed as doubtful to feature at Old Trafford.

Happier times: Morgan celebrates his goal at Old Trafford during Leicester's title-winning campaign
Happier times: Morgan celebrates his goal at Old Trafford during Leicester's title-winning campaign

If not deemed fit to start, the centre-back pairing of Caglar Soyuncu and Jonny Evans will presumably start again. 31-year-old Evans will be hoping to beat his former side for the first time at the fifth time of asking.

Matthew James (calf) and Daniel Amartey (foot) are the Foxes' long-term absentees and do not have confirmed return dates yet.

Probable line-ups

Manchester United: de Gea; Young, Maguire, Lindelof, Wan-Bissaka; Matic, McTominay; A. Pereira, Mata, James; Rashford.

Leicester City: Schmeichel; Chilwell, Pereira, Evans, Soyuncu; Ndidi, Tielemans; Barnes, Albrighton, Maddison; Vardy.

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Edited by Sai Teja