Premier League kicks off: United vs Leicester pre-match report
Manchester United will host Leicester City in the opening match of the 2018-19 English Premier League. United finished, last season, at the second spot on the league table. They will hope to take an early lead over title holders City by clinching a victory at home. The 2015-16 champions will also be looking forward to upset matters. Here's our match preview.
Players who might not feature in the starting XI
Players, who played extensively in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, might not feature in the starting line-up. It means that Mourinho will not play Pogba, Lukaku, Young or Lingard in his starting XI. Herrera, Matic, and Valencia will be out owing to injuries. Mendy and James are unlikely to start for Leicester City.
Which formation would United use?
United might play a 4-1-2-2-1 formation with Darmian, Lindelof, Shaw, and Eric Bailly at the back. Fred should make his Premier League debut tonight in the mid-field along with McTominay and Pereira. Pereira returns to Old Trafford after loan spells with Granada and Valencia. Mata and Sanchez will play as attacking wingers with Rashford taking the lone striker's spot.
Possible formation for Leicester City
Leicester may start with a 4-4-1-1 formation with Ben, Morgan, Maguire, and Pereira at the back. Their mid-field will most likely feature Gary, Ibora, Ndidi, and Albrighton. Maddison, the newest member of the Leicester squad, might be playing as the attacking mid-fielder with Jamie Vardy at the forefront of action.
Interesting facts to gear you up for the action
United are unbeaten in their last seven EPL games against Leicester City and will be eager to extend the record. The last time United and Leicester met on the opening weekend was exactly two decades ago, in the 1998-99 season, with United coming back from 0-2 to draw the game. This is the second time ever when EPL will start on a Friday.
Where should you tune in for the action?
The opening match of the Premier League season kicks off on Saturday at 12:30 AM IST. It will be telecast live on Star Sports Select 1 and Star Sports HD. You can also stream it on Hotstar.
