Premier League: why Man United and Leicester should provide recipe for goals

Saturday's late kick-off at Old Trafford sees Ralf Rangnick's side desperate for a win to keep their fading top four hopes alive.

Man United’s top-four hopes on the line 

Manchester United host Leicester at Old Trafford on Saturday in the Premier League as they seek to keep alive their top-four hopes.

The Red Devils are now four points back of Arsenal in the final Champions League spot having played one game more and are given just a 16% chance of leap-frogging both the Gunners and Tottenham to play in Europe’s elite competition next season. 

Meanwhile, they are a 1.54 shot to overcome a Leicester side that has been out of sorts this season. Brendan Rodgers’ men are 6.6 to get the win, while the draw is on offer at 4.7. 

Pressure on the Red Devils

Even on international duty, Man United captain Harry Maguire has been unable to escape criticism this season, with the centre-back booed while playing for England. It has been another unwelcome reminder of just how disappointing a campaign this has been for a club that aspired to the title. 

Prior to the international break, Ralf Rangnick’s side were knocked out of the Champions League by Atletico Madrid and picked up just one victory in their previous five games. That success did come against top-four rivals Tottenham in a thrilling 3-2 success, in which Cristiano Ronaldo struck a hat-trick – a rare reminder of the quality that the Red Devils have at their disposal. 

With nine matches of the season remaining, the pressure is on the Old Trafford side to win each one to reach the Champions League – which was surely the minimum expected back in August as they completed an array of star signings. 

Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers has seen his side lose five of their last six Premier League away games

Foxes not travelling well 

Leicester, meanwhile, travel to Old Trafford in the middle of the Premier League table, disappointed but not disgraced by their performances this season.

Rodgers’ side, however, have a strong recent record against their hosts. They have won each of their last three matches against the Red Devils and secured a 2-1 victory at Old Trafford last season. They have never won successive away games against Man United. 

Their away form lately, though, has been wretched. They have lost five of their last six road trips in the Premier League and were also beaten 2-1 on the road by Rennes in the Europa Conference League, though they survive in that competition and host PSV on Thursday.

Goals on the cards 

United and Leicester have had a recent history of producing entertaining games. Each of their last four fixtures has yielded at least three goals, while three of these matches have seen four goals scored.

Rangnick’s side have started to come out of their shell lately – three of their last four Premier League games have had at least five goals – while in this kick-off slot, three of their four matches have seen three or more goals. Odds of 1.62 on this game producing similarly look, therefore, attractive. 

Backing Leicester on an Asian handicap of +1 also looks a good bet. Their hosts, after all, have only won once this season against a team presently in the top 12 by more than a single goal – their 3-0 away win at Spurs in October. 

Recommended bets 

Over 2.5 goals @ 1.62

Asian Handicap: Leicester +1 @ 1.93