Premier League: Are the Red Devils Contenders or Pretenders?

Leicester City vs Manchester United

Manchester United are going to face their first huge test this season as they’ll enter a grueling 10-game stretch starting this weekend.

Their first assignment will be versus Leicester City at the King Power Stadium in a Premier League fixture that will feature two clubs who are in dire need of a win.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side couldn’t sustain their hot start and they’ve slumped to fourth at the table. At 14 points, they are on a four-way tie with third-placed Manchester City, fifth-placed Everton, and sixth-placed Brighton.

Their hosts, meanwhile, are at the 13^th spot with only eight points. However, they are not to be underestimated since they are a dangerous club.

Brendan Rodgers’ men have had the Red Devils’ number in recent encounters and they are optimistic about facing them at home anew.

Although the pre-match SBOTOP betting odds may not agree with the hosts, nonetheless, this should be a belter of a match filled with Premier League 2021 highlights.

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Talking Points

Leicester City plan to cure their ills at home

Leicester City are winless in their last four league games (L2, D2) and they are in danger to drop further if they don’t tighten up sooner than later.

Defence has been a problem for Brendan Rodgers’ squad as they’ve yet to keep a clean sheet since mid-August, and their troublesome form has carried over to the Europa League as well.

Despite being one of the favourites to win in the European showcase, they’re winless in their first two group stage matches so far, with their most recent defeat coming from Polish side Legia Warsaw.

The good news for them, however, is that they are healthier than their visitors and they are keen to take advantage of such.

In this contest, we expect Leicester City to be aggressive in hunting goals with Kelechi Iheanacho and Jamie Vardy leading the way since Manchester United aren’t at their best shape defencively.

Manchester United are vulnerable

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will look for solutions to Manchester United’s injury issues ahead of their upcoming Premier League clash — Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer coaches his squad during a recent Premier League match against Everton

Speaking of the Red Devils’ backline, they’re in for a world of trouble as they’ll miss two of their vital cogs.

Based on reports, Raphael Varane will be out “for a few weeks” after suffering a groin injury during the UEFA Nations League final while Harry Maguire won’t get to face his former team due to a calf knock that he sustained against Aston Villa last month.

With the two of them out, the Red Devils are to field in Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly as their main centre-backs.

Another cause of concern for Manchester United is their midfield, to which Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has faced major criticism since he has yet to figure out the proper combination.

Fred and Scott McTominay aren’t producing for Manchester United and it remains to be seen on whether OGS will give Donny van de Beek a chance.

United remain loaded up front with Cristiano Ronaldo still at his best. But as shown in recent weeks, CR7’s brilliance alone won’t be enough.

History

The Foxes are trying to get their second straight league victory over the Red Devils for the first time since 1973, and three consecutive in all competitions for the first time since 1901.

Brendan Rodgers’ men won 2-1 in the league last May and they were responsible as to why Ole Gunnar Solskjaer still doesn’t have a trophy under his belt, eliminating them in the FA Cup quarter-finals with a 3-1 tally.

They eventually won the said competition by beating Chelsea 1-0 in the final and they followed it up with another trophy when they defeated Manchester City in the FA Community Shield final with the same exact scoreline.

Manchester United have been superb against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium, though, losing only once in their last 15 Premier League visits there (W9, D5).

Betting Tip

	Leicester City vs Manchester United	1X2 Draw @ 3.40
	October 16, 22:00 (GMT+8)

Manchester United have been favoured by the Premier League 2021 odds in these past few weeks against lesser opponents. But somehow they can’t seem to get the job done, which is why it’s hard to fancy a victory for them this weekend.

The Red Devils are installed to win at 2.07 while the Foxes are at 3.45 in the 1X2 market.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will have to be over-reliant on their attack once more, which should be good enough for them to get a goal or two.

However, their anemic defence and midfield will cancel out anything positive from their attack and we believe that Leicester City are going to score as well. Hence, our recommendation for this game is a draw at 3.40.