Preview: Manchester United Vs Leicester City

Two wins in the space of a week, and Leicester City are riding high on confidence again. Having been blagged against Arsenal on the opening day, the Foxes have struck back pretty strongly, seeing off Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League and following it up with yet another important win against Sheffield United in the Carabao Cup.

Craig Shakespeare’s side now travel to Old Trafford to take on the Manchester United challenge – their toughest one yet.

Leicester City

Coming into the fixture, Leicester City have to be fully aware that it’ll take a humongous effort if they are to beat Manchester United in their own backyard. There’s no doubt about the fact that Leicester have been very good so far, playing to their strengths and doing so with distinction, but against United, it’s going to be a different ball game altogether.

The Foxes just have to ensure that they don’t make life easy for United by committing too much to attack and not minding the business at the back. The tougher they make it for the league leaders, the better chance they’ll stand of getting something out of it.

LEICESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 19: Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City looks on during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Brighton and Hove Albion at The King Power Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

Man to watch

Individual brilliance can often win you big games, and the one man capable of producing that against the giants from Manchester is Riyad Mahrez. He has been in top form since the start of the season, and there’s no reason as to why can’t he work his magic on Saturday again.

Quotes

"“Everyone knows at the moment that Manchester United are flying,” said Danny Simpson. “They’ve started the season by scoring goals and keeping clean sheets.“Everything about them at the minute is positive and it’s tough to go to Old Trafford, no matter what team has been playing there the last few years. It’ll be a tough test, but it’s one that we’re up for."

Predicted XI

Schmeichel; Simpson, Maguire, Morgan, Fuchs; Albrighton, Ndidi, James, Mahrez; Vardy, Okazaki.

Manchester United

The feel-good factor has returned to Manchester United, thanks to a perfect start to their Premier League season. They’ve won both their games, scoring eight goals in the process and conceding none, highlighting the title-winning credentials that they now possess. It’s a different Manchester United – it’s stronger, it’s sharper, it’s sexier.

Jose’s side would see the clash against Leicester City as just another game that they simply have to win, and in all probability, they will. Just don’t give Jamie Vardy too much space to run in behind.

SWANSEA, WALES – AUGUST 19: Paul Pogba of Mancheser United celebrates victory after the Premier League match between Swansea City and Manchester United at Liberty Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) /

Man to watch

The most expensive player tag now gone, Paul Pogba is playing with the freedom that we all want him to. He has made a resounding start to the new season already, so expect him to dominate Leicester City again.

Quotes

"“I think they are the same team as they were two seasons ago,” Jose Mourinho said.“Are they going to be champions again? Honestly, I don’t think so because there are many teams that I don’t think all of them are going to fail.“But I think in terms of their qualities, I think they are the same team and they are playing exactly the same way they played before.”"

Predicted XI

De Gea; Valencia, Jones, Bailly, Blind; Matic, Pogba, Mata, Mkhitaryan, Rashford; Lukaku.