On Thursday, a winless Leicester City side will host a rejuvenated Manchester United at the King Power Stadium. Both teams had a disastrous start to the season, but unlike the Foxes, Manchester United have seemingly turned things around with two back-to-back wins. Can Leicester City get a win and bring their season back on track? Mr. Bulister, your number one source for football match previews and betting tips, is here to give you his lowdown on the Thursday night Premier League affair.
Leicester City
Leicester City had the golden opportunity to end their slump with a remarkable away win at Stamford Bridge. Conor Gallagher picked up his second booking before the match hit the half-hour mark and reduced Chelsea to 10 men. But, a Raheem Sterling brace sealed a 2-1 victory for the home side and extended Leicester’s torrid start to the season.
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers keeps saying he is not feeling the heat. But, the reality is that this is the first time in eight years that he has endured three consecutive defeats. For the first time since 2003, Leicester City are without a win after their first four top-flight games. The club’s transfer impasse will also put wrinkles on the former Liverpool manager’s forehead.
Wesley Fofana finally completed his long-awaited move to Chelsea. That means Johnny Evans and Daniel Amartey will return to the core of the Leicester backline. James Maddison did not travel to Stamford Bridge as he was out with a minor injury. The Leicester number 10 might be in contention for the Manchester United tie.
Manchester United
After the first two weeks, Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United were at the bottom of the league table. They lifted the curtains on the season with a 2-1 defeat to Brighton before getting a 4-0 hammering at Brentford. Liverpool were the last team any Premier League side would have wanted to play at that situation, but Manchester United lived up to the challenge and bounced back with a 2-1 win over their arch-rivals at Old Trafford. Past Saturday, the Mancunians made it two wins in a row with an away win at Southampton.
There are still problems in the Manchester United squad. They were far from perfect in their win at St. Mary’s. But the wins and new incomings have lifted the mood around the significantly. Erik ten Hag will hope this will be enough to keep the momentum going and pick up another win against an out-of-form Leicester City.
Manchester United have a big weekend clash with Arsenal coming up. So, there could be some rotations in the first XI. Cristiano Ronaldo might get his first start since the Brentford game. Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw might also return while Casemiro makes his full Manchester United debut. Manchester United’s new signing Antony might not be available before the Arsenal game.
Our Prediction
At this moment, it’s difficult to expect something positive from Leicester since they are below the rest of the teams in the Premier League points table. That said, they can grind out a draw against a Man United side that is likely to rest some of its key players. Mr. Bulister foresees a 1-1 draw in this match.
Our Tip
Draw @ 4.00
