The FA Cup is back, and one of the most exciting fixtures of the fourth round sees Manchester United host Leicester City at Old Trafford on Friday. Both Premier League sides are in need of a morale-boosting win after tough league defeats, setting the stage for an intriguing cup clash.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match, including team news, key stats, and a prediction for the game.
Manchester United: The Red Devils’ Struggles Continue
Manchester United enters this FA Cup clash with confidence but also concerns over recent form. Despite some impressive victories earlier in the season, Ruben Amorim’s side has suffered a tough 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace in their most recent Premier League outing. Their form at home has been inconsistent, winning only two of their last seven matches at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils secured their place in the fourth round by defeating Arsenal in a thrilling penalty shootout in the third round. Manchester United displayed resilience in the face of adversity, holding off the Gunners despite being reduced to 10 men. They’ll look to build on that performance and secure a spot in the next round of the FA Cup, but they will be without some key players.
Injury Concerns:
- Lisandro Martinez: Out for the season with a ruptured knee ligament.
- Luke Shaw: A setback in his recovery, remains unavailable.
- Jonny Evans: Dealing with a back injury.
- Mason Mount: Out with a hamstring injury.
Probable Lineup:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Altay Bayindir |
| Center-back | Noussair Mazraoui |
| Center-back | Harry Maguire |
| Center-back | Matthijs de Ligt |
| Wing-back | Diogo Dalot |
| Wing-back | Patrick Dorgu |
| Midfield | Manuel Ugarte |
| Midfield | Bruno Fernandes |
| Attacking Midfield | Amad Diallo |
| Attacking Midfield | Kobbie Mainoo |
| Forward | Rasmus Højlund |
Manchester United is likely to set up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Altay Bayindir replacing Andre Onana in goal. Ruben Amorim will need to rely on Bruno Fernandes to create chances in midfield, while young talent like Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Diallo could play key roles in attack.
Leicester City: Foxes in Crisis
Leicester City has had a torrid season so far, and their most recent loss — a dismal 4-0 defeat to Everton — left them languishing in the relegation zone of the Premier League. However, the Foxes have shown resilience in the FA Cup, dispatching Queens Park Rangers 6-2 in the previous round.
Despite their domestic struggles, Leicester City will be determined to perform better in the FA Cup. Ruud van Nistelrooy will look to his players to recover from their league misfortunes and find a way to upset the odds at Old Trafford.
Injury Concerns:
- Wilfred Ndidi: Close to recovery from a hamstring injury but not ready for Friday’s match.
- Ricardo Pereira: Out with a thigh injury.
- Abdul Fatawu Issahaku: Knee injury, unavailable for selection.
Probable Lineup:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Jakub Stolarczyk |
| Center-back | Woyo Coulibaly |
| Center-back | Conor Coady |
| Center-back | Caleb Okoli |
| Left-back | Victor Kristiansen |
| Midfield | Boubakary Soumaré |
| Midfield | Oliver Skipp |
| Attacking Midfield | Bilal El Khannouss |
| Attacking Midfield | Facundo Buonanotte |
| Attacking Midfield | Stephy Mavididi |
| Forward | Patson Daka |
Leicester City is expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Jakub Stolarczyk in goal. Despite injury issues, Leicester has enough quality in players like Boubakary Soumaré and Patson Daka to potentially threaten Manchester United’s defense. However, their defensive frailties are likely to be a significant challenge.
Key Stats:
- Head-to-Head: Manchester United has won both encounters at Old Trafford this season — 5-2 in the EFL Cup and 3-0 in the Premier League.
- FA Cup Record: Manchester United has won 16 of their last 18 home FA Cup matches, but one of those draws led to elimination in 2022 by Middlesbrough.
- Leicester’s FA Cup Record: Leicester has progressed from seven of their last eight FA Cup fourth-round ties.
- Home Form: Manchester United has won just two of their last seven home matches in all competitions.
- Away Struggles: Leicester City has won only one of their last nine away competitive games.
Prediction: Manchester United 3-1 Leicester City
Manchester United’s impressive home form in the FA Cup, coupled with Leicester City’s struggles on the road, suggest that the Red Devils will emerge victorious. Despite Leicester’s attacking talent, their defensive woes have been well-documented, and that could be their undoing once again at Old Trafford.
Final Prediction: A 3-1 win for Manchester United, with the hosts progressing to the fifth round and Ruben Amorim hoping to build some much-needed momentum ahead of the Premier League run-in.
Check also: Premier League’s £500M Transfer Gamble – Who Made the Smartest Moves?
