Big Game Focus: Manchester United v Leicester City

The Big Game Focus takes a look at the largest game of the day, giving you possible team line-ups, form and betting advice.

Manchester United and Leicester will officially kick off the new Premier League season with their clash at Old Trafford on Friday night. United boss José Mourinho always aims for a fast start to the season and will therefore be looking to get his side flying out of the blocks.

Here is our guide to the match.

Betting tips

United have been strongly linked with a move for Leicester defender Harry Maguire, which is indicative of a lack of a settled back-line for the Old Trafford club. Their first choice centre-back Eric Bailly is a doubt for the match. The last time the two sides met it ended 2-2. While the Red Devils sort their personnel issues out at the back, it’s unlikely that they will fail to score at home. Bet on Both Teams to Score at 2.10 here.

In a difficult pre-season, Chilean winger Alexis Sanchez was one of the few positives for United. The former Arsenal man scored against AC Milan and Real Madrid, and was impressive despite having failed to fly out with the rest of the team to the USA at first. Sanchez has four goals in six past appearances against Leicester. He is valued at odds of 2.05 for Anytime Goalscorer here.

Leicester famously beat United 5-3 at the King Power Stadium shortly after they were promoted back to the Premier League in 2014, but they have lost five and drawn three of their eight encounters since then. With the advantage of playing at home, United are strong favourites to bag three points. Click here for odds of 1.45 for a Home Win.

Team news

Paul Pogba, Marouane Fellaini, Jesse Lingard and Ashley Young will not be involved for Mourinho’s men, as they only resumed training this week following their exertions at the World Cup in Russia earlier this summer. Romelu Lukaku could be involved as he resumed training in Manchester last week. Newly-installed captain Antonio Valencia is injured, as are Ander Herrera, Nemanja Matic and new signing Diogo Dalot.

Maguire and Jamie Vardy are unlikely to feature for the Foxes after they also only returned training this week.

Likely line-ups

Manchester United: De Gea; Darmian, Bailly, Lindelöf, Shaw; Fred, Pereira, McTominay; Mata, Sanchez, Rashford

Leicester City: Schmeichel; Pereira, Benalouane, Morgan, Fuchs; Amartey, Ndidi, Iborra; Maddison, Iheanacho, Albrighton