Manchester United welcome Leicester City to the Old Trafford as they look to put a miserable week behind them where they lost 3 games back to back before winning an away match against League One outfit- Northampton Town. Jose Mourinho-led United got off to a flier before a loss in the Manchester Derby derailed their engine leading to the mini loss in confidence and removed the sheen off their start.
Leicester, on the other hand, started off slowly but had seemingly found their rhythm in the last couple of matches before an entertaining 2-4 loss against Chelsea in the EFL Cup in midweek. They will have to regroup quickly and work their socks off to pass their first test of the fixture congestion with respectable results.
We take a brief look at the 3 key battles expected to have a bearing on the outcome of the match at the end of the 90 minutes.
ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC VS ROBERT HUTH/ WES MORGAN
The two pillars in the Leicester line-up were an extremely pivotal part of their title triumph last season. They will be up against the towering Ibrahimović who usually likes to dominate the opposition defenders with his majestic ball control and ability to conjure moments of magic. But the two defenders will be up for the task and will use their physique to tackle the Swede. He has gone off the boil in the last 10 days and will be eager to get on the scoresheet in front of the home fans which will make this an interesting tussle to watch out for.
LUKE SHAW VS RIYAD MAHREZ
Luke Shaw is likely to be fit for the showdown against the Champions and will have to pit his wits against the fleet-footed Riyad Mahrez. The Algerian hasn’t yet reached the peak of last season but is a difficult player to contend with on any day.
His trickery and understanding with Jamie Vardy, especially on the counter makes up for a fascinating watch and it is something the Manchester United players will be conscious of preventing. The English left-back has looked assured till now and Saturday will be another test of his credentials.
ERIC BAILLY VS JAMIE VARDY
Bailly had started off smoothly with the youngster looking assured and comfortable in defence. He has looked a bit jittery thereafter with frequent changes in his defensive partner. He will be tasked with keeping Jamie Vardy quiet. Vardy has not burst into life as of yet but he won’t be bogged down by the opposition on Saturday. Manchester United keeping most of the ball will help the England international who will look to exploit the potential high line of the United defence. With possible opportunities for counters, Vardy will be a difficult commodity to contain tomorrow.
