Leicester vs Manchester United Preview: How to Watch on TV, Live Stream, Kick Off Time & Team News

24 December 2020 17:30

Leicester City host Manchester United in the early kick off in a host of Boxing Day Premier League fixtures on Saturday, with the visitors sat just a point behind the Foxes in third place.

United last visited Leicester on the final day of last season's Premier League and wound up 2-0 winners at the King Power Stadium which earned them a third-placed finish and secured Champions League qualification, and head into the game off the back of making the Carabao Cup semi-final.

While the Red Devils failed to make good on that Champions League spot, they will be aware of the high stakes which again surround their trip this time. A win for Leicester keeps them second, while a win for United would see them leapfrog the Foxes into the position.

With the stakes high and the leftover turkey and beef sandwiches out in full force, here's 90min's preview of the Boxing Day opener.


Where to Watch

When Is Kick Off? Saturday 26 December
What Time Is Kick Off? 12:30 (GMT)
Where Is it Played? King Power Stadium
TV Channel/Live Stream? BT Sport 1 (UK), fuboTV (US)
Referee? Mike Dean


Team News

Soyuncu could return for Leicester | Michael Regan/Getty Images

Caglar Soyuncu could return for the Foxes following a torn adductor but may not make a full return straight away and could be saved for their trip to Crystal Palace on Monday.

Jamie Vardy is available for selection once again, having recovered from discomfort in his hip. Ricardo Pereira remains unavailable as he continues to battle to find full fitness, but the Foxes otherwise have a fully fit squad at their disposal.

United are expected to be without Scott McTominay, who limped off against Leeds last weekend, but welcomed Eric Bailly and Axel Tuanzebe back into the fold during their 2-0 Carabao Cup win against Everton. Tuanzebe may start again should Aaron Wan-Bissaka fail to recover in time.

Luke Shaw also returned to action in the game and will be available against Leicester once again, giving Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a healthy squad to pick from.


Predicted Lineups

Leicester City: Schmeichel; Justin, Fofana, Evans, Castagne; Ndidi, Tielemans; Albrighton, Maddison, Barnes; Vardy.

Manchester United: De Gea; Tuanzebe, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw; Fred, Pogba; Greenwood, Fernandes, Rashford; Martial.


Recent Form

Leicester's inconsistency has been frustrating for fans, but not proven detrimental and has improved throughout December. A 2-0 defeat at home to Everton was followed up with an oppositely brilliant three points away to Tottenham last weekend, keeping them second and knocking Spurs out of the top four for the time being.

Jamie Vardy has been in red hot form this season; his penalty against Jose Mourinho's side was his 11th league strike of the season, keeping him joint second in the scoring charts alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Son Heung-min.

Brendan Rodgers' side must be aware of the threat that comes with welcoming United to the King Power, however. The Red Devils hold a perfect record away from home in the league so far this season and have looked completely recharged since slipping out of the Champions League in the group stages.

Bruno Fernandes was on the scoresheet in the final game of last season and has continued his form into this campaign, having already racked up nine goals and five assists in the league.

Here's how each side has fared in their last five games.

Leicester City

Tottenham 0-2 Leicester (20/12)
Leicester 0-2 Everton (16/12)
Leicester 3-0 Brighton (13/12)
Leicester 2-0 AEK Athens (10/12)
Sheffield United 1-2 Leicester (6/12)

Manchester United

Everton 0-2 Manchester United (23/12)
Manchester United 6-2 Leeds United (20/12)
Sheffield United 2-3 Manchester United (17/12)
Manchester United 0-0 Manchester City (12/12)
RB Leipzig 3-2 Manchester United (8/12)


Prediction

With both sides keen scorers and desperate to enter 2021 on top, stakes will be high in this one.

The league is as open as ever and the top four could look vastly different following the end of Boxing Day. Leicester won't have forgotten about their bitter end to last season and a solid result against Spurs gives them as much confidence as they need heading into a game with United, but Solskjaer's side are also flying high.

A win away to Spurs was a huge three points for the Foxes | Julian Finney/Getty Images

United have found their groove and look unstoppable away from home currently, and will clinch another three points here.

Prediction: Leicester 1-3 Manchester United


Source: 90min