Sabasports Match Preview
Premier League: Leicester City vs Manchester United
Kickoff Time: 2025-03-17 03:00 (HKT)
Source:REUTERS/Andrew Boyers
Leicester City lost 0-1 away to Chelsea in their last match, suffering a dismal six consecutive defeats across all competitions. Since Ruud van Nistelrooy took charge of Leicester City, the former Manchester United manager has yet to steer the team out of its troubles. Although Leicester City is only five points away from safety, they have lost 12 out of their last 13 Premier League matches, and the shadow of relegation looms over the entire team. In this round of the league, Leicester City will host Manchester United, which could be good news for the Foxes. In a previous FA Cup match, Leicester City faced Manchester United away and performed quite well, only to suffer a last-minute defeat due to an injury-time goal from their opponent. On the other hand, Van Nistelrooy is very familiar with the Red Devils as a former Manchester United manager. Furthermore, with Manchester United having played in European competition during the week, Leicester City has a clear physical advantage.
Manchester United won 4-1 at home against Real Sociedad in the Europa League midweek, advancing to the quarter-finals with an aggregate score of 5-2. Recently, Manchester United has been performing quite well, remaining unbeaten in their last six matches across all competitions. Tactically, the United has become increasingly proficient at switching between 3-4-3 and 5-4-1 formations, successfully protecting their flanks and displaying quick counter-attacking threats. Additionally, they have scored from set pieces in several matches and created numerous good opportunities in open play, largely thanks to Bruno Fernandes’ outstanding performances. Notably, Alejandro Garnacho is one of the few explosive players for Manchester United, contributing more when playing as a right winger compared to the left. As for Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund, they have continued to be unproductive.
In terms of overall strength and competitive form, Manchester United is clearly superior to Leicester City. However, United’s players have been involved in back-to-back matches throughout the week, leading to a noticeable fatigue compared to Leicester City, who are only focused on Premier League. Furthermore, Manchester United’s away performance has not been as strong as their home form. In their last three away matches, the Red Devils have only managed two draws and one loss. Given Van Nistelrooy’s understanding of Manchester United, it would not be surprising if Leicester City, playing at home, could secure some points in this match.
Leicester City’s Last 5 Games: LLLLL
25-03-09 Chelsea 1-0 Leicester City
25-02-28 West Ham United 2-0 Leicester City
25-02-22 Leicester City 0-4 Brentford
25-02-15 Leicester City 0-2 Arsenal
25-02-08 Manchester United 2-1 Leicester City
Manchester United’s Last 5 Games: WDDDW
25-03-14 Manchester United 4-1 Real Sociedad
25-03-10 Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal
25-03-07 Real Sociedad 1-1 Manchester United
25-03-03 Manchester United 1-1 Fulham (PEN 3-4)
25-02-27 Manchester United 3-2 Ipswich Town
Head To Head Record:
25-02-08 Manchester United 2-1 Leicester City
24-11-10 Manchester United 3-0 Leicester City
24-10-31 Manchester United 5-2 Leicester City
23-02-19 Manchester United 3-0 Leicester City
22-09-02 Leicester City 0-1 Manchester United
Prediction: Leicester City to win or Draw