The Premier League action returns once again as Manchester United travel to King Power Stadium to face Leicester City. The Foxes are one of the three Premier League teams without a win in the new season as they have gone down to the bottom of the league. On the other hand, Manchester United began their season underwhelmingly, losing back-to-back matches in their first two league games. However, since then, they have defeated Liverpool and Southampton in the last two weekends and will be a tough opponent for the hosts on Friday night.
Leicester City has not made any transfer in the summer window, however, have let go of first-team members like Kasper Schmeichel and Wesley Fofana. On the other hand, Manchester United recently completed the signing of winger Antony from Ajax, while Casemiro is also expected to be handed a start against the Foxes.
Also Read: Manchester United-bound Antony worth €100m? Ajax manager Alfred Schreuder weighs in
Team News
Leicester City
The Foxes do not have any new injuries plaguing their squad currently. However, they might not have as many as three players absent against Manchester United.
James Maddison has recovered from his knock, however, remains doubtful against Manchester United. The English playmaker might get some minutes as a substitute.
Ricardo Pereira is recuperating from an Achilles injury while Ryan Bertrand has a knee problem that is keeping him on the sidelines.
Danny Ward has taken up the mantle of the no.1 goalkeeper for Leicester City since the departure of Kasper Schmeichel to France. He will once again be under the bars against Manchester City, with Jonny Evans and Daniel Amartey as the centre-backs, considering Wesley Fofana’s recent big-money transfer to Chelsea. Timothy Castagne and James Justin are likely to be the starting full-backs.
Wilfred Ndidi is expected to return to the starting lineup against Manchester United, who probably will be trusted with keeping Bruno Fernandes quiet. Meanwhile, Kieran Dewsbury-Hall and Youri Tielemans are expected to fill in the rest of the two slots in the midfield and will be tasked with carrying the ball forward and creating chances.
Veteran striker Jamie Vardy will lead the frontlines for Leicester City while Harvey Barnes and Ayoze Perez will be deployed in the wider areas.
Also Read: All Ajax sales to Manchester United after Sir Alex Ferguson left
Manchester United
Manchester United do not have any new injuries as well, however, will be missing four first-team players who are missing for injuries.
Erik ten Hag will be missing striker Anthony Martial, who is coming back from an Achilles injury. The French striker is, however, expected to return against Arsenal later this weekend. Defenders Victor Lindelof, Brandon Williams and youngster Facundo Pellistri are also missing out on injuries.
David de Gea will start under the bars with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez starting as centre-backs. Diogo Dalot and Tyrell Malacia are expected to start in the full-back roles.
New signing Casemiro is expected to be handed his first Premier League start against Leicester City. He is expected to be paired with Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen in midfield.
While Casemiro will have defensive duties, Eriksen and Bruno will be tasked with ball progression and playmaking duties respectively. Anthony Elanga might be handed a start once again with Rashford as the centre forward and Jadon Sancho on the right side.
Also Read: Manchester United sign Martin Dubravka: Did Erik ten Hag need a new goalkeeper?
Manchester United have not defeated Leicester City in their last four league matches and will be hoping to break the streak.
Predicted lineups:
Leicester City: Ward (GK), Castagne, Amartey, Evans, Justin, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndidi, Tielemans, Perez, Vardy, Barnes
Manchester United: De Gea (GK), Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Malacia, Casemiro, Eriksen, Elanga, Fernandes, Sancho, Rashford
