Leicester City vs Manchester United
Earlier this month, I questioned if the tide was turning back towards the status quo as far as Leicester City were concerned.
Their success over the last six years – most notably last year’s FA Cup triumph and the unforgettable never-to-be-repeated Premier League title in 2016 – is the stuff of folklore and defied the odds in the modern world of the super club.
But it could not last surely?
Since then, my view has only strengthened for, with 48 hours remaining in the transfer window, Leicester are yet to make a single signing (for a fee) and are yet to register a league win as pressure slowly mounts.
That is the reality and shows just how fine Leicester’s achievements have been in recent years, initially under Claudio Ranieri and now with Brendan Rodgers at the helm.
Yes, they are laudably fending off bids for their star players left, right, and centre and have no desire to let their key men leave, but it is reported they need to sell to bring new faces in since the squad is currently at its limit of 25 players.
On Thursday night, Manchester United are in town and they, better than most, know all about pressure.
Talking Points
This time just over a week ago, they were the “crisis club” in the top-flight following two embarrassing defeats and six goals conceded.
Now, after back-to-back wins, the world seems a brighter place for all those associated with Old Trafford so the Foxes will know their current rut could also change quickly.
In fairness, they were somewhat unfortunate to come away from Stamford Bridge empty handed on Saturday – a 2-1 defeat against 10-man Chelsea.
Rodgers has insisted he is not feeling the pressure despite Leicester’s poor start but he has now lost three successive games for the first time in eight years and his team is without a top-flight win in its opening four for the first time since 2003.
The Leicester boss may have felt hard done by when a goal was ruled out with the game goalless, but the visitors then found themselves 2-0 down despite their numerical advantage.
Wesley Fofana’s impending exit could mean Leicester belatedly spend some money over the next 48 hours – goalkeeper Alex Smithies on a free transfer the only arrival so far – with Rodgers’ outfit looking in need of reinforcements.
It would appear Wout Faes will be his replacement from French club Reims, but any deal will not come in time for this match.
Likewise, United’s acquisition of Brazilian winger Antony is all but done but his debut will have to wait.
Putting that to one side, there is still enough talent on both sides to look forward to Premier League 2022 highlights at the King Power Stadium.
Question is, who will be feeling the pressure after the full-time whistle?
History
These two sides were so well matched just over two years ago that it came down to a final day shootout in the East Midlands to determine who secured a Champions League spot.
United triumphed 2-0 at the King Power that day to seal their place, courtesy of goals from Bruno Fernandes and Jesse Lingard.
Leicester, who were missing key players during the run-in, had to settle for a spot in the Europa League.
Since then, they have met five times in league and cup with two draws and three victories for the Foxes.
Last season, this match saw three goals in the final eight minutes – two for the hosts as they ran out 4-2 winners
Even a brilliant goal from youngster Mason Greenwood and a late equaliser from substitute Marcus Rashford could not stop the Foxes who found the net through Youri Tielemans, Caglar Soyuncu, Jamie Vardy, and Patson Daka.
The return game at Old Trafford finished 1-1 with Kelechi Iheanacho and Fred trading quick goals.
Overall, United have won 68 of their meetings with 36 Leicester successes and 31 draws.
Betting Tip
The SBOTOP Premier League 2022 betting odds edge towards United who are priced 1X2 @ 2.07 and Asian Handicap -0.75 @ 2.44.
The hosts are on offer 1X2 @ 3.20 and Asian Handicap +0.25 @ 2.11.
Level-pegging would be worth a decent payday with the 1X2 draw available @ 3.60.
If there is to be repeat of last year’s encounter, then Correct Score 4-2 is worth a whopping @ 115.00
It is rare for a goalless draw between these two and that is reflected in total goal 0-1 @ 4.30, as well as my prediction of Total Goal 2-3 @ 2.03.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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