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Table topping (Yes! table topping) Leicester City, host second placed Manchester United in the big Premier League meeting of the weekend with many neutrals hoping for a repeat of last season’s eight goal thriller.
MATCH BACKGROUND
Vardy Goes in Search of the Outright Goalscoring Record
He’s the striker that the entire footballing world is currently talking about and on Saturday, Jamie Vardy has the chance to become the first Premier League player ever to score in 11 consecutive matches, beating the one he currently shares with former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy. Who would bet against him doing it? Not many that’s for sure as the player, who only three years ago was playing in the fourth tier of English football, looks to claim the record against the Premier League’s most successful club. The best online sports betting sites are also confident about his chances, pricing him at *2.50 to be an anytime goalscorer. Coach Claudio Ranieri is playing down all talk of a possible top four finish for his side, claiming that they are just concentrating on reaching the magical 40 points which would almost guarantee Premier League survival. If this exceptional run continues until the New Year, the East Midlands side will have to be considered as serious contenders for Champions League football next season.
Van Gaal Looking for a Response after European Bore Draw
Manchester United’s Jekyll & Hyde character was in evidence yet again on Wednesday, as they were held to a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford by PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League. A turgid, disjointed showing left fans frustrated, as they booed their team off the pitch at the end of the game. With qualification to the last 16 of the competition now in serious doubt, the Red Devils head to the scene of one of their most dramatic collapses 12 months ago, where they let a 3-1 lead slip eventually losing 5-3. Midfielder Ashley Young used the clubs TV channel this week to rally the troops ahead of Saturday’s top of the table clash declaring that; “there is a lot of disappointment around the place, we have just got to pick ourselves up now and go again at the weekend.” Their current league form suggests they can leave the King Power Stadium with all three points, the club are unbeaten in their last five league outings having conceded only one goal in this time and even that was only a penalty last week against Watford. If you fancy another shut-out by van Gaal’s side, the best football betting sites will give you *8.50 for a 1-0 away win.
TEAM NEWS
The so-called “Tinker Man” is unlikely to change anything with Ranieri having an almost full complement of players to choose from. While all the focus will be on Vardy, the home fans will be hoping that the sensational form of Algerian playmaker Riyad Mahrez continues, as they look to put the visitors to the sword once again.
Manchester United has a mounting injury list with defender Luke Shaw out for the season with a broken leg and Antonio Valencia nursing an injured foot. There are doubts surrounding the participation of Michael Carrick (foot), Ander Herrera (hamstring), Phil Jones (ankle) and James Wilson (knee). Argentinean defender Marcos Rojo, looks likely to be rested for Saturday’s trip south after tiring late on in midweek.
PROBABLE STARTING XI’S
Leicester City (4-4-2) Schmeichel; Fuchs, Huth, Morgan, Simpson; Albrighton, Kanté, Drinkwater, Mahrez; Vardy, Ulloa
Manchester United (4-2-3-1) De Gea; Young, Blind, Smalling, Darmian; Schweinsteiger, Schneiderlin; Lingard, Rooney, Mata; Martial
HEAD TO HEAD
Manchester United have won 10 out of the last 11 Premier League games against Leicester City but the exception was last season’s extraordinary 5-3 victory for The Foxes. In that remarkable win, Leicester City became the first club ever to come from two goals down to beat the Red Devils in the entire history of the Premier League. There have been 18 goals scored between the two in their last four league meetings. Leicester City are the only club to have scored in all of their league fixtures this season.
MATCH BETTING
Leicester City 3.10 Draw 3.50 Manchester United 2.40
*odds courtesy of Bet365
Steve Mitchell (@barafundler)