United To Fend Off Former Players At Leicester

A 4-0 home thrashing of Queens Park Rangers last week has seen Manchester United fans allow themselves to indulge in a little optimism after enduring a woeful opening three league games and an embarrassing early exit from the second round of the Capital One Cup at the hands of League 1 MK Dons. In Sunday`s 1:30 kick-off, the Red Devils travel to the King Power Stadium to face a newly promoted Leicester City side buoyant after finding themselves level on points with the 20-time title winners. Only goal difference separates Louis Van Gaal`s United in 10th from Nigel Pearson`s new boys in 12th.

Two points from three games against teams set for the top five in Arsenal (1-1), Chelsea (2-0) and Everton (2-2) inspired Pearson`s Foxes to return from the fortress of Stoke`s Britannia Stadium with all three points. Leonardo Ulloa`s third Premier League goal of the campaign so far being enough to seal the deal in the 64th minute. Another point or three against United will see City make an early bid to be the giant-killers of 2014-15.

According to the betting for tomorrow`s clash, however, the odds are very much against the East Midlands side. Van Gaal`s men are the 4/6 (Numerous) favourites to make it two wins from two and extended their unbeaten run to three games, whilst Leicester can be backed at 19/4 (Betvictor). bet365, Coral and Skybet are all offering 16/5 on the two teams sharing a point. A draw at the King Power would be the second tie against a newly promoted team for United, having already been held to a goalless draw at home to Sean Dyche`s Burnley.

Dutchman Van Gaal may replace compatriot Robin Van Persie with Radamel Falcao up-front. Falcao came on as a substitute in United`s overturning of Harry Redknapp`s QPR though may make his first start ahead of Van Persie, who is yet to hit the back of the net despite having played in three of the club`s first four matches. Six million pound AS Monaco loan signing Falcao is looking to start as he means to go on with the North West side, as he prepares to lead the line with captain Wayne Rooney. The 28-year-old is 6/5 with Betbright to dispatch one, and 13/2 (bet365) to slot two, past newly fit Leicester `keeper and son of Manchester legend Peter, Kasper Schmeichel.

England international Luke Shaw is ready to make his debut for the Reds with the 19-year-old recovering from a hamstring injury picked up in pre-season training. A start for the left-back may well see Marcos Rojo move into the centre of United`s back four and displace one of their regular centre-halves, Tyler Blackett or Johnny Evans.

Speaking to the United Review, Manchester stalwart Evans promised that the £30 million Southampton signing would be the `best left-back in the world`.

`I had the chance to work with Luke in pre-season and there is no doubt he is going to be the best left-back in the world.` The Northern Irishman claimed.

To counter the newly regained confidence of United, the home side will be looking to six players who are more than a little familiar with the Old Trafford set-up.

Whilst the terms of Nick Powell`s loan arrangement bars the 20-year-old from taking to the field against his parent club, Tom Lawrence will be looking to make a quick impression on his debut after signing a four year deal with the Foxes.

Other Manchester old boys looking to line-up against their former comrades include full-backs Ritchie De Laet and Danny Simpson and midfielders Danny Drinkwater, Matty James, Danny Simpson and Jack Barmby. Not one of whom will underestimate the size of the task ahead.

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20/09/2014     © Frixo 2026