Manchester United will be aiming to close the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal when they entertain Leicester City at Old Trafford this afternoon.
The Red Devils played out a thrilling 2-2 draw against Barcelona in the Europa League on Thursday. They were the better side but failed to capitalise on their chances.
United have the opportunity to return to winning ways against the Foxes. A victory will reduce the gap to the top to five points, though they will have played a game more.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Line-up:
David de Gea has played every minute of the club’s top-flight campaign. The Spaniard made several key saves against Barcelona and will be hoping for a quieter afternoon. He will be eyeing his 10th clean sheet of the league season.
In the backline, we anticipate three changes. Erik ten Hag will have one eye on the second leg of the Europa League knockout round play-off. Diogo Dalot should replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right-back.
Lisandro Martinez is expected to return in central defence after his European suspension. With Raphael Varane likely to get a breather, we fancy Harry Maguire to partner Martinez against his former employers.
Luke Shaw should feature in his customary left-back role ahead of Tyrell Malacia. The England star should be relieved to see the return of Martinez, having had a tough outing in central defence in midweek.
In midfield, Casemiro won’t be available again. He will be serving the final game of his three-match domestic suspension. Marcel Sabitzer is expected to accompany Fred in the centre of the park after missing the midweek trip to Barcelona with a one-game European ban.
Further forward, we expect one change with Wout Weghorst making way for Alejandro Garnacho. Weghorst impressed with his pressing in midweek but failed to win any aerial duels.
Against the Foxes, we fancy Ten Hag to go with a more attack-minded line-up. We prefer Garnacho on the left wing over Weghorst playing in a deeper second striker position.
Bruno Fernandes and Jadon Sancho should continue in the number 10 and right wing roles respectively with the in-form Marcus Rashford leading the attack as the main striker.
Rashford has already matched his best-ever goal tally for a season (22). We expect him to find the back of the net against the Foxes with his exemplary scoring form since the World Cup.
How Man Utd could line up against Leicester City
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
