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 FA Cup holder. 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 by eliminating Arsenal away (1-1, extra time 0-0, penalties 5-3). As a result, their unbeaten run in regular time in this tournament has extended 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, along with midfielder Mason Mount, will also miss out due to injuries.
- Both teams scored in regular time in 11 of Manchester United's last 14 FA Cup matches.
- Manchester United has scored at least two goals in 90 minutes in their last five home games in this tournament.
- The club has won the second half in their last five home matches in this Cup.
Predicted lineup for Manchester United (3-4-2-1)
Altay Bayındır – Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire – Diogo Dalot, Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte, Noussair Mazraoui – Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho – Rasmus Højlund.
Leicester
Ruud van Nistelrooy's side started this tournament with a convincing victory. Playing at home, they thrashed QPR 6-2. Notably, last season, Leicester reached the quarter-final, where they lost away to Chelsea (2-4). It's also worth mentioning that the team has won this tournament only once, in 2021, when they defeated Chelsea 1-0 in the final.
Midfielders Abdul Issahaku and Wilfred Ndidi, along with defender Ricardo Pereira, will miss the match due to injuries.
- At least three goals have been scored in regular time in 5 of Leicester's last 6 FA Cup matches.
- Only one draw in Leicester's last 21 FA Cup matches (15 wins and 5 losses).
- In 7 of Leicester's 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%.
Manchester United vs. Leicester: Match Prediction
Manchester United is unlikely to salvage their Premier League season, where they currently sit in 13th place. However, they can avoid disappointment from their fans by winning the Europa League or at least the FA Cup. They showed their intent in this tournament in the previous round by defeating the second-placed Premier League team. Leicester is much weaker than Arsenal, and with the match at Old Trafford, I have no doubt the hosts will confidently overcome Leicester, who are among the league's lower-ranked teams.
Manchester United has impressive records in this tournament at home. The club is unbeaten at home in the FA Cup for 18 matches, with 14 wins and four draws. In their last five home matches in this Cup, they have won four times with a score of 3-1 and drawn with Liverpool (3-3, extra time 1-0). Additionally, Manchester United has defeated Leicester in their last four meetings 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
