Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the FA Cup match.
Manchester United and Leicester will meet for the third time this season across three different competitions. They have already played against each other in the Premier League and the EFL Cup, and now they face off in the FA Cup Round of 16.
Manchester United
Both of their previous encounters ended in comfortable wins for Manchester United, with a 5:2 victory in the EFL Cup and a 3:0 result in the Premier League. Interestingly, Ruud van Nistelrooy, now managing Leicester, was on the Manchester United coaching staff when they dismantled Leicester in the League Cup. After Manchester United’s penalty shootout victory over Arsenal following a 1:1 draw in the previous round, Leicester should be an easier opponent on paper. However, Manchester United’s inconsistency remains a concern. Their recent Premier League loss to Crystal Palace (0:2) was a prime example, where despite registering 17 shots and 1.12 xG, they managed just two shots on target. In contrast, Crystal Palace scored twice from 11 attempts, generating 2.60 xG. Even with their fluctuating performances, Manchester United should still have enough quality to dispatch a struggling Leicester side.
Leicester City
Leicester City have been in poor form all season, frequently finding themselves on the losing end. Their attacking issues are alarming, as they have failed to score in six of their last ten matches and have conceded at least two goals in every one of them. Even in their 6:2 FA Cup victory over Queens Park Rangers, they still showed defensive vulnerabilities.
Manchester United vs Leicester City Prediction
Despite their unpredictability, Manchester United should have little trouble overcoming this level of opposition. Leicester simply do not look ready to compete at a Premier League standard, and while anything is possible in a one-off cup match, it is difficult to see them pulling off an upset. Manchester United are expected to win with a comfortable margin, even if it may not be as emphatic as their previous victories.
