Manchester United vs Leicester City Predictions

Manchester United vs Leicester City Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews for this Carabao Cup meeting. For the first time since Erik ten Hag’s sacking, Manchester United will play as they host Leicester City at Old Trafford in an EFL Cup fourth-round clash on Wednesday night. Read on for our free betting tips and match previews.

EFL Cup | Round of 16 | Oct 30, 2024 at 7.45pm UK at Old Trafford

Manchester United vs Leicester City Predictions

Can Van Nistelrooy Kickstart Manchester United’s Revival Against Leicester?

• Leicester’s Leaky Defence: Leicester have conceded 1.9 goals per game in the Premier League this season, highlighting their defensive struggles, particularly away from home.
• Manchester United’s Clean Sheet Potential: Despite their overall poor form, United have managed to keep four clean sheets this season, showing they are capable of shutting out opponents.
• Leicester’s Shot Inaccuracy: Leicester have averaged just 2.9 shots on target per game, underlining their struggles in converting chances, especially in key away fixtures.

Our Tips

With Erik ten Hag now out of the picture, Manchester United find themselves at a critical juncture as they prepare to face Leicester City at Old Trafford in the EFL Cup. This match presents the first real test for interim manager Ruud Van Nistelrooy, who will be desperate to impress both fans and the club’s hierarchy. But while change is often greeted with optimism, United’s recent form offers little comfort. Their shaky start to the season, compounded by key absences, will put immense pressure on Van Nistelrooy’s shoulders. Meanwhile, Leicester, embroiled in a relegation battle, will look to this game for a brief respite from their Premier League woes. Both teams have plenty at stake, making this encounter more than just another cup tie.

Best Bet: Manchester United to Win

Despite Manchester United’s troubles this season, a win against Leicester City seems a solid choice for this EFL Cup fixture. After all, the Red Devils are playing at home, and while their form is far from convincing, Leicester’s inconsistencies might play into their hands. United’s squad may be weakened by injuries, with key players such as Antony and Luke Shaw out, but they still possess enough quality to get over the line in this clash.

Leicester have struggled defensively this season, conceding an average of 1.9 goals per game. Their leaky defence, coupled with injuries to key players like Patson Daka and Jannik Vestergaard, leaves them vulnerable, especially at a ground like Old Trafford. United, while hardly prolific themselves, have enough attacking talent in players like Alejandro Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee to break down Leicester’s backline. With 14.4 shots per game and 5.6 of those on target, United should be able to create enough chances to trouble Leicester’s goal.

“Manchester United might be in a transitional phase, but Leicester’s defensive fragility could be their undoing. Expect the Red Devils to capitalise on their home advantage,” notes BettingTips4You.com expert Herrin Kendrick. “Leicester’s defensive issues could tip the balance, even if United aren’t at their sparkling best.”

Leicester’s attacking numbers, although not dismal, don’t offer enough confidence that they will find a way through United’s defence. They average just 2.9 shots on target per game and haven’t been particularly dangerous from set pieces or long-range efforts. Jamie Vardy, their talisman, could be isolated up front without much service, and while Leicester have netted 13 goals this season, their away form leaves much to be desired.

Furthermore, Van Nistelrooy’s arrival as interim manager could provide United with a much-needed psychological boost. New managerial appointments often galvanise teams, and though Van Nistelrooy has little managerial experience at this level, his status as a former club legend could spark a reaction from the players. Add to this the fact that Leicester may rotate their squad, with eyes on their relegation battle, and the odds seem to favour Manchester United.

Correct Score Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Leicester City

A 2-0 victory for Manchester United seems the most likely outcome in this fixture. Leicester’s attacking output has been inconsistent, and although they possess the ability to hit teams on the break, their struggles in front of goal away from home could see them leave Old Trafford without scoring.

United, on the other hand, have not exactly been prolific but should be able to net twice against a Leicester defence that has been shipping goals at an alarming rate. Leicester’s clear defensive frailties—1.9 goals conceded per game—combined with United’s home advantage suggest that two goals should be achievable for the hosts. With Leicester set to prioritise their Premier League survival, they are unlikely to field a full-strength squad, further increasing United’s chances of keeping a clean sheet.

Moreover, United’s defence, despite conceding 11 goals in the league, has still managed four clean sheets. If they can tighten up at the back, particularly with the return of some defensive options, it’s easy to see them shutting out a Leicester side that’s unlikely to take too many risks.

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