Manchester United vs Leicester City Prediction and Betting Tips

Posted on February 5, 2025 by author in Football

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Manchester United is set to face Leicester City in an FA Cup fourth-round match on Friday, February 7, 2025, at Old Trafford. The game is scheduled to kick off at 8:00 PM (UK time). This encounter promises to be an intriguing battle between two Premier League sides with contrasting fortunes this season.

Recent Form and Performance

Manchester United: The Red Devils have experienced a roller-coaster season. Their recent 2-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace highlighted ongoing inconsistencies under manager Rúben Amorim, who took charge in November 2024. Currently languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table, United’s defensive frailties are evident, having secured just one clean sheet in their last 13 matches against Premier League opponents. Notably, they suffered a 3-1 loss to Brighton and concluded 2024 with a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United.

Leicester City: The Foxes, under the guidance of Ruud van Nistelrooy, have faced their own set of challenges. After a promising 3-1 victory over West Ham and a 2-2 draw with Brighton, Leicester endured five consecutive league defeats. A glimmer of hope emerged with a commanding 6-2 win against QPR in the FA Cup, where James Justin netted twice. However, this victory remains their sole success in recent outings.

Head-to-Head Record

Manchester United has dominated recent fixtures against Leicester City. The Red Devils have emerged victorious in their last four encounters, keeping clean sheets in three of them. Their most recent meeting on November 10, 2024, saw United secure a 3-0 win at Old Trafford. Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring, followed by an own goal from Victor Kristiansen, and Alejandro Garnacho sealed the victory.

Team News

Manchester United: The team will be without Lisandro Martínez, who sustained a season-ending knee injury against Crystal Palace. Additionally, Luke Shaw and Mason Mount remain sidelined due to respective injuries.

Leicester City: The Foxes are missing several key players due to long-term injuries, including Issahaku Fatawu, Ricardo Pereira, and Wilfred Ndidi. Van Nistelrooy might consider rotating his squad, potentially giving former Tottenham defender Oliver Skipp a starting role.

Betting Odds and Predictions

Bookmakers have positioned Manchester United as the clear favorites for this fixture. The odds for a home win are approximately 1.34, translating to a 74.4% implied probability. A draw is priced at 5.75 (17.4% probability), while an away win for Leicester stands at 8.80 (11.1% probability).

Given United’s superior head-to-head record and Leicester’s recent struggles, a home win seems the most plausible outcome. However, considering both teams’ defensive vulnerabilities, a high-scoring game could be on the cards.

Betting Tips

Manchester United to Win: With their recent dominance over Leicester and home advantage, backing United to secure a victory is a sensible choice.
Over 2.5 Goals: Eight of United’s last nine home matches have featured more than 2.5 goals. Given both teams’ defensive issues, this market offers value.
Both Teams to Score: Despite their challenges, Leicester has the attacking prowess to find the net, making the BTTS market appealing.
Bruno Fernandes to Score Anytime: Fernandes has been a consistent performer for United, and with key players absent, he might step up to provide crucial goals.

Conclusion

The FA Cup has a reputation for delivering surprises, but based on current form and historical data, Manchester United appears poised to advance to the next round. Nevertheless, Leicester City’s potential to upset shouldn’t be entirely dismissed. Bettors are advised to consider the provided tips and conduct further research before placing wagers.

Please gamble responsibly and ensure you are aware of the latest team news and updates before making any betting decisions.