Sunday, September 21, 2014

Premier League - Leicester vs Man United preview

Following a troubled start to Manchester United's season in which they lost to Swansea and then suffered a 4-0 humiliation at MK Dons in the Capital One Cup, Louis van Gaal's side finally gave their fans something to cheer about with a 4-0 disposal of QPR last weekend.

Summer signings Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind started and impressed for the Red Devils, but, despite the scoreline, the biggest cheer of the day was reserved for Radamel Falcao's introduction.

Angel di Maria produced another virtuoso performance and was deservedly named man of the match for a second consecutive fixture.

United go into the fixture against Nigel Pearson's Leicester high on confidence but will be wary of the Foxes who have started the season well and sit level on points with this weekend's opponents.

TEAM NEWS

Esteban Cambiasso could start for Leicester after his impressive 45-minute outing in the win over Stoke last week.

The former Inter Milan midfielder is primed for a home debut after joining on a free transfer in the summer.

Kasper Schmeichel is available after missing the Foxes' Britannia Stadium win with a ligament strain, Ben Hamer deputising, and Nick Powell is ineligible against his parent club under the terms of his loan from Old Trafford Defender Chris Smalling has recovered from a groin injury and is available for Manchester United's game at Leicester on Sunday.

Sam Johnstone (elbow), Phil Jones (hamstring), Ashley Young (groin), Michael Carrick (ankle), Jesse Lingard (knee), Marouane Fellaini (ankle) are out.

Reece James and James Wilson are unlikely to feature due to unspecified injuries, but left-back Luke Shaw could make his debut.

MANAGER QUOTES
Nigel Pearson: "United look like they have a swagger back, they have added quality. Whenever there is a change in manager you can have people who have a short-term impact.When you have someone in charge for as long as Sir Alex (Ferguson) the transition period will never be easy.They have been a huge presence within the English game for a long time. I'm sure they will reignite that at some point."
Louis van Gaal: "I don't think that Falcao interfered with Van Persie (against QPR) or that he interfered with Falcao. Falcao is a very good striker, I already said that when he came here in his first press conference. I like Van Persie as well - he is also a very good striker. Then we have Wayne Rooney and Adnan Januzaj, and we also have James Wilson. We have five players for the two striker positions and I have to choose."

MATCH FACTS

The Foxes have netted just one goal in their last eight Premier League matches against Manchester United. Wayne Rooney has scored in both of his Barclays Premier League appearances against Leicester City.

The Red Devils have won the last nine successive Premier League games against Leicester City.

Angel Di Maria has scored the only direct free-kick goal in the Premier League this season.

Wayne Rooney’s 175 Premier League goals came in 378 games, compared to 258 for Thierry Henry, who also scored 175. Juan Mata has eight goals and four assists in 19 Premier League games for Manchester United.

United have gone four Premier League away games without a win (D3 L1); they last went five without a victory in September 2001.

Manchester United have used a league-high 26 players already this season, at least three more than any other club.

Manchester United have won only four of their last 17 Premier League games on a Sunday (D7 L6). Before this run, United were unbeaten in 22 Premier League games on a Sunday (W18 D4).


 

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