Manchester United travel to Leicester City on Saturday evening knowing that they could be 14 points behind Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City before they even kick-off. The Red Devils are currently second in the Premier League table and only a win against Leicester will suffice but the Foxes will have other ideas.
Claude Puel’s side have been much better in recent weeks but a 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace in their last top-flight fixture may have halted their momentum. It would be foolish to read too much into their Carabao Cup clash with City as both clubs opted to rest key players and the hosts will be quietly confident of putting United to the sword – although the Red Devils are unbeaten in their last seven games against Leicester.
Puel’s Decision To Rest Players Could Backfire
Defeat here would leave Foxes fans scratching their heads. Leicester crashed out of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night after losing to a much-changed City side on penalties and supporters were bitterly disappointed to see the Foxes team sheet on that day. Anything less than a positive result here and the Leicester faithful may further raise their views on their cup exit, and rightly so…
At the time of writing, 888sport customers can back the Foxes to win or draw at 27/25 in our Premier League betting odds. Leicester fans should take that price, it represents solid value for the home side. By the same token, the 17/10 on offer for Puel’s side to win at least one half on Saturday evening is also appealing. This United side are there for the taking if Leicester get their tactics right.
United Can Feel Hard Done By – City Have Been THAT Good
Any other year and Manchester United would be top, or at least within three points, of the Premier League table. Guardiola’s side have been on another level this season, we are witnessing one of the greatest club performances ever to exist in English football. But for United, there’s no point crying over spilt milk and their immediate focus will be on beating Leicester on Saturday evening – 10/13 is a decent price for an away win.
Paul Pogba has returned from suspension and United fans will be expecting another huge performance from the Frenchman here. When Pogba plays well, United play well and he will be determined to make an instant impact following his three-match ban. 17/20 is available for United to score over 1.5 goals whilst the 39/20 for an away win and a clean sheet also carries plenty of appeal.
Prediction
United will be determined to keep pace in the title race just in case City collapse over the busy festive period. Victory over Leicester is an absolute must here, especially as the Foxes were well beaten by Palace last time out.
Mourinho’s side are hanging onto City’s coattails and I’m expecting the Red Devils to control proceedings on Saturday evening. It might not be a classic but United should be strong and stable enough to win - the 7/1 available for a 1-0 win may be worth backing.
LEICESTER CITY 0-2 MANCHESTER UNITED (Priced at 7/1 with 888sport)
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
