Preview: Manchester United vs. Leicester City - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts will be heavy favourites having not lost a domestic home game since the opening weekend of the season.

Match preview

Despite not wanting to label themselves as title challengers, Erik ten Hag's Manchester United are just five points off the Premier League summit going into the weekend.

That is due to their excellent form since the World Cup, as United have lost only once in their 16 matches in all competitions following the return of club football.

The form of Marcus Rashford has been integral to that, as he has been in blistering form over the last two months.

He has only failed to score in two matches where he has started since the mid-season break, racking up 22 goals in all competitions for the Red Devils now this season.

He was on form again at Camp Nou on Thursday too, scoring the equaliser before getting the assist for Jules Kounde's own goal.

They are in the ascendancy in that tie following a 2-2 draw away from home before the second leg on Thursday, meaning they may well continue to fight on four fronts.

Leicester also have a man in form, James Maddison, and his return from injury has come at a crucial time for the Foxes.

Back-to-back wins over Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur saw Leicester score four on both occasions, as they looked clinical in attack, with Harvey Barnes and Kelechi Iheanacho also in form.

Maddison was unsurprisingly on the scoresheet in both games, and that has fuelled more talk about his future, with clubs starting to show interest in him as he has less than 18 months left on his contract.

His return was much needed as Leicester lost all four Premier League games in his absence shortly after the World Cup.

It is a surprise they are still just six points above the relegation zone, considering they have scored more goals than Newcastle United and Fulham, who are both in the European places.

However, no clean sheets in any of their league games since the World Cup break suggests their attackers need to remain on top of their game to win them points.

They do have a good record against Man United though, as Brendan Rodgers's side have registered three wins and two draws in their last six meetings.

Another win here would end United's 16-game unbeaten home run, as well as making it three consecutive league victories for the first time in over two years for Leicester.

Manchester United Premier League form:

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D

L

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Manchester United form (all competitions):

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D

Leicester City Premier League form:

L

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D

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Leicester City form (all competitions):

L

L

D

W

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W

Team News

Casemiro will serve the final game of his domestic three-match ban for violent conduct here, before returning for the EFL Cup final next weekend.

His Brazilian compatriot Antony is set to miss this game too with a minor injury, while Scott McTominay remains doubtful.

Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek are out long term, while Anthony Martial will not be ready for another week at least.

Youri Tielemans should return to the Leicester side after he missed the win over Spurs with a calf injury.

Boubakary Soumare should also make a comeback here after almost two months out, but this game will come too soon for ex-United man Jonny Evans.

Full-back duo James Justin and Ryan Bertrand remain out having suffered long-term injuries, but the latter is edging closer to a return.

Manchester United possible starting lineup:

De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Sabitzer, Fred, Fernandes; Sancho, Weghorst, Rashford

Leicester City possible starting lineup:

Ward; Castagne, Souttar, Faes, Kristiansen; Mendy, Dewsbury-Hall, Maddison; Tete, Iheanacho, Barnes

We say: Manchester United 2-1 Leicester City

Despite their excellent form, especially at home, Man United have not looked great defensively in recent weeks, but they should get the three points here.

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