Premier League football returns after the excitement of the international break as Manchester United prepare for their first fixture in more than a fortnight.
The Red Devils were last in action when they were dumped out of the Champions League by Atletico Madrid, having only just got back to winning ways domestically with a 3-2 victory over Tottenham. Cristiano Ronaldo was in magnificent form to bag a hat-trick in the win over Spurs, and Ralf Rangnick will be hoping the superstar striker will be performing in a similar vein when Leicester come to town on Saturday evening.
The Foxes head to Old Trafford for the 5:30pm kick off with a point to prove, having performed below expectations all season but with the opportunity to claw their way back into the battle for the Europa League places. Rangnick is not expected to pull out any wildcard choices with his lineup and it is likely he is going to favour experience against Brendan Rodgers' men.
Naturally David de Gea will remain between the sticks, although his teammates will hope there are no repercussions of his axe from Spain duty over the international break. A similar situation befalls Harry Maguire, who was booed by England fans amid his worrying form at club level.
Rangnick has kept faith with Maguire thus far though, and his performance against Ivory Coast on Tuesday should be enough to convince his manager he is worthy of his place in the side. Alongside him, Raphael Varane is expected to shake off his recent injury picked up whilst away with France.
Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw look set to complete the back four in the full-back roles in what is Rangnick's ideal selection to deal with Jamie Vardy and co. In front of them, Fred and Scott McTominay could form a two-man midfield pivot, which would see Paul Pogba omitted from the starting XI following his minor injury in midweek, though he is fit for selection.
What is your scoreline prediction for Manchester United versus Leicester? Have your say in the comments!
Both Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford are well rested given they were left out of England's plans over the international break and will no doubt have points to prove as they bid to reignite their chances of earning a place in the Three Lions squad for the World Cup. They are in line to operate on either flank for United, with Bruno Fernandes playing through the middle fresh after his two goals for Portugal.
Fernandes linked up well with Ronaldo when bagging his brace against Turkey and Rangnick will welcome any further cooperation between the pair, with the latter getting the nod to start up front. Edinson Cavani will not be involved in United's squad due to a muscular problem, with Rangnick confirming the Uruguayan striker would be out for the "next couple of weeks".
Man Utd predicted lineup to face Leicester (4-2-3-1) : De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Shaw; Fred, McTominay; Sancho, Fernandes, Rashford; Ronaldo.
