Manchester United vs Leicester predictions: Fernandes to inspire struggling holders
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- Both Manchester United and Leicester City lost their last Premier League games
- United captain Bruno Fernandes has had 10 goal contributions in as many FA Cup ties
- Recommended bet: Bruno Fernandes to score
It is almost easy to forget that Manchester United are the FA Cup holders and they continue their defence against another out-of-sorts side, Leicester City, on Friday.
The fourth-round tie at Old Trafford pits the Red Devils, fresh from a 2-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace that has left them 13th in the Premier League, against a Foxes team who followed up a 2-1 win at Tottenham with a 4-0 reverse at Everton.
They sit 18th in the table and this FA Cup tie could provide some respite. However, they have already lost twice to the Red Devils this season and the home side's captain is good enough to help see them through.
Team news
Both Ruben Amorim and Ruud van Nistelrooy are likely to make changes, with Altay Bayindir expected to start in goal for the hosts following his third-round heroics against Arsenal.
Amorim's decision to experiment with Kobbie Mainoo as a false nine against Palace is unlikely to be repeated, with either Joshua Zirkzee or Rasmus Hojlund expected to start, while new signing Patrick Dorgu could feature at left-wing-back.
Leicester, who beat Queens Park Rangers 6-2 last month, could give defender Woyo Coulibaly his full debut after joining from Parma, while Jamie Vardy is expected to be given a rest, allowing Patson Daka a rare start in attack.
The stats
Friday's match will be the pair's third of the season – Van Nistelrooy was in interim charge of the Red Devils for both previous meetings – their 5-2 Carabao Cup victory in October and a 3-0 Premier League win the following month.
This will be the duo's fourth FA Cup meeting – United won the first two but Leicester triumphed 3-1 in the quarter-finals on the way to lifting the trophy in 2020-21.
United have won 16 of their last 18 home FA Cup matches, drawing the other two, while City have successfully come through seven of their last eight FA Cup fourth-round ties.
Red Devils skipper Bruno Fernandes scored United's goal in last month's third-round draw with Arsenal, eventually coming through on penalties.
That strike means the Portuguese has been involved in 10 goals in his last 10 FA Cup games (seven goals, three assists). He also scored in this season's two previous meetings between the clubs.
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Prediction
It is tough to know what is truly going on behind the scenes at Old Trafford, but their relatively quiet transfer window may be a blessing in disguise and give Amorim more time to decide precisely what signings he wants come the summer.
Like predecessor Erik ten Hag, who oversaw last May's 2-1 Wembley win over Manchester City, the FA Cup could save his season.
United are hoping to win this tournament for a record-equalling 14th time, with their third-round victims Arsenal setting the benchmark.
Leicester's recent form suggests they could be easy prey, but the Foxes have little to lose and can afford to throw as much as they can at the game.
United are just 1/4 to win, but it is tough to trust them at the moment, however, for all their inconsistency, they do have one player they can rely on in their skipper Fernandes.
The Portuguese has fulfilled several roles since Amorim's November arrival and again came up good against the Gunners in the third round.
In a situation of few certainties, one you can hang your hat on is that he will start, and he will likely perform, so he is worth looking at to extend his strong FA Cup record.
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