The FA Cup Round of 16 match between Manchester United and Leicester will take place on February 7 at Old Trafford. Manchester United vs. Leicester: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Manchester United
The club is the current holder of the FA Cup. Last season, they defeated Manchester City 2-1 in the final. In this year's competition, the Red Devils started from the previous round and immediately caused a sensation. Ruben Amorim's team managed to knock out Arsenal away (1-1, extra time 0-0, penalties 5-3). Consequently, the club's unbeaten run in regular time in this tournament has stretched to seven matches (4 wins and 3 draws).
Defender Lisandro Martinez is out for the season with a knee injury. Defenders Luke Shaw and Jonny Evans, as well as midfielder Mason Mount, will also miss out due to injuries.
- Both teams scored in 11 of the last 14 FA Cup games involving the Red Devils.
- Manchester United has scored at least two goals in their last five home matches in this tournament.
- The club has won the second half in their last five home games in this Cup.
Predicted lineup for Manchester United (3-4-2-1)
Altay Bayindir – Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire – Diogo Dalot, Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte, Noussair Mazraoui – Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho – Rasmus Hojlund.
Leicester
Ruud van Nistelrooy's side started this tournament with a confident victory. Playing at home, they thrashed QPR 6-2. Last season, the Foxes reached the quarter-finals, where they were defeated away by Chelsea (2-4). It's worth noting that the team has won this tournament only once, in 2021, when they beat Chelsea 1-0 in the final.
Midfielders Abdul Issahaku and Wilfred Ndidi, as well as defender Ricardo Pereira, will not play due to injuries.
- At least three goals were scored in 5 of Leicester's last 6 FA Cup matches.
- Only one draw in regular time occurred in Leicester's last 21 FA Cup matches (15 wins and 5 losses).
- In 7 of the last 9 matches in this tournament, one team won the second half with a clean sheet.
Predicted lineup for Leicester (4-2-3-1)
Jakub Stolarczyk – Conor Coady, Victor Kristiansen, Wout Faes, James Justin – Harry Winks, Boubakary Soumare – Stephy Mavididi, Bilal El Khannous, Facundo Buonanotte – Jamie Vardy.
Referee
Michael Salisbury (England)
Matches – 7 (Premier League, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 21;
Average yellow cards per match – 3;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 22;
Penalties – 0%.
Match Prediction: Manchester United vs. Leicester
The Red Devils are unlikely to salvage their Premier League season, where they sit in 13th place. However, they can avoid the wrath of their fans by winning the Europa League or at least the FA Cup. The club showed their intent in this tournament by defeating the second-placed team in the Premier League in the last round. Leicester is much weaker than Arsenal, and the game will be held at Old Trafford, so I have no doubt that the hosts will confidently defeat the Foxes, who are among the league's strugglers.
Manchester United has impressive records in this tournament at their stadium. The club is unbeaten at home in the FA Cup for 18 matches, with 14 wins and four draws. In their last five home games in this Cup, the Red Devils have secured four victories with a 3-1 scoreline, and they drew with Liverpool (3-3, extra time 1-0). Additionally, Manchester United has defeated Leicester in their last four encounters in the Premier League and the English League Cup, three times with a three-goal margin.
My prediction – Manchester United with a handicap (-1.5)
Everton
Bournemouth
Brighton and Hove Albion
Chelsea
Aston Villa
