Leicester City vs Manchester United Prediction (Mar 17, 02:00)

This Sunday morning, Leicester City will host Manchester United at home. This match is crucial for both teams: Leicester City is fighting to avoid relegation, while Manchester United hopes to continue its recent unbeaten streak and gain more confidence for the Europa League qualification.

1. Leicester City: In a critical situation of relegation

Leicester City’s season has been disappointing. Currently ranked 19th in the Premier League, they are in the relegation zone, six points behind the safety line. If Wolverhampton Wanderers get points against Southampton on Saturday, Leicester City’s gap with the safety zone could widen to seven points or more.

The team is in a very low state, having lost all five recent Premier League matches and not scoring a single goal during that period. What’s worse is that they have suffered six consecutive defeats at the King Power Stadium, with a total score of 0-15. Despite trying many times to shoot (63 shots in the past six matches, including 22 on target), they have never been able to break through the opponent’s door.

In addition, Leicester City may have reached an embarrassing milestone in this match – they have already conceded 998 goals in the history of the Premier League. If they concede two more goals, they will become the 12th team in Premier League history to concede more than 1,000 goals.

2. Manchester United: gradually improving

In contrast, Manchester United’s form is gradually improving. Although 14th place in the league is not ideal, they have performed well in the Europa League. In the last round, with a hat-trick from Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United won 4-1 against Real Sociedad and advanced to the quarter-finals. They will face Lyon next.

In the domestic league, Manchester United have been unbeaten in their last three games, including a 1-1 draw against Arsenal. It is worth mentioning that this is the first time since December last year that Manchester United have led their opponents at half-time, showing that the team has improved in attack.

However, United’s attacking firepower remains lacking. They have only averaged 13 shots per game this season, the second-lowest in the club’s Premier League history (the lowest was 11.3 in the 2015/16 season). However, their defensive performance has been relatively stable, especially in away games, where they often adopt a more cautious approach.

3. Head-to-head: United have the upper hand

United have a clear advantage when it comes to head-to-head history. In their last eight away games against Leicester, United have only lost once (4 wins, 3 draws). The only defeat came in October 2021, when United lost 2-4.

In addition, United have already beaten Leicester three times in three competitions this season: a 5-2 win in the Carabao Cup, a 3-0 win in the Premier League and a 2-1 win in the FA Cup. Leicester City’s last victory over Manchester United in the Premier League came in October 2021.

4. Key match facts

Leicester City’s advantages

• Playing at home: Despite their recent poor home form, Leicester City still have the support of their fans, which may inspire the players.

Manchester United’s advantages

• In better form: Manchester United have been unbeaten recently and are in high spirits.
• Historical record counts: Manchester United have the psychological advantage in previous encounters.

Weaknesses of both teams

• Leicester City’s lack of attack: The team has failed to score in five consecutive games, and there are serious problems in the attack.
• Manchester United’s ineffective attack: Manchester United’s shooting and goal conversion rates have been low this season, and the attack needs to improve its efficiency.

5. Prediction: Manchester United will win by a small margin or draw

Overall analysis: Manchester United have a slight advantage in this match. Although Leicester City are in desperate need of points to avoid relegation, their serious attacking problems make it difficult for them to threaten Manchester United’s defence. Manchester United, despite their lack of offensive efficiency, are stronger overall and are expected to win through solid defence and key opportunities.

Prediction result: Leicester City 0-1 Manchester United

6. Key match data

Goal prediction

• 3 or fewer goals: Both teams have limited attacking capabilities, so it is expected that there will not be many goals in the game.

Prediction of the number of corners

• 10 or more corners: Manchester United likes to attack from the flanks, and Leicester City may also step up their offensive play, which may lead to more corner opportunities.

7. Expected line-ups

Leicester City (3-4-2-1)

Goalkeeper: Hermansson
Defenders: Firth, Coyle, Thomas
Midfielders: J. Maddison, Ndidi, Soumare, Christiansen
Attackers: Hannus, Daka
Striker: Vardy

Manchester United (3-4-2-1)

Goalkeeper: O’Neill
Defenders: Lindelof, Deli, Paradise
Midfield: Mazzaravi, Fernandes, Ugarte, Dalot
Attackers: Galancho, Zircze
Striker: Hoilund

8. Special tips

• Manchester United are more likely to win: Judging from their form and past encounters, Manchester United are worth betting on.
• The game may be low scoring: Both teams are not very offensive, and the pace of the game is expected to be conservative.
• There will be many corner opportunities: Manchester United’s attacks from the wings and Leicester City’s counterattacks may lead to many corner kicks.

Regardless of the result, this will be a suspenseful match!