Match Focus: Leicester Host United in Intriguing Top Two Battle
If you would have told a Manchester United fan their side, after 13 games of the season, would be behind Leicester in the league table they would have assumed it had been a disastrous start to the campaign. It’s far from it though, with the Foxes the only team above Van Gaal’s side in the standings ahead of the weekend after a quite remarkable run under new manager Claudio Ranieiri.
With 12 goals scored across the two meetings between the sides last season, this game promises to be another intriguing battle. Leicester, who have the league’s deadliest attack (28 goals), have the task of breaking down United, who have the meanest defence (conceding just 9 goals). Indeed, Van Gaal has built his side’s success around their impressive resolve, highlighted by the fact that in all competitions United haven’t conceded a goal from open play in over 14 hours.
As mentioned, it was the offensive that came out on top when the two met last season though, with Leicester’s 5-3 win in this fixture last year among the most memorable of the 2014/15 campaign. Having twice trailed by two goals in that game the Foxes came from behind in spectacular fashion and have made a habit of doing the same under their new boss, recouping the most points from losing positions in the top-flight (10).
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However, while this match up directly pips first against second in the league, all eyes will be on one man. If Jamie Vardy scores against United he will break the Premier League record - set by Ruud van Nistelrooy - for scoring in the most consecutive appearances, with his opener against Newcastle last time out representing the 10th league game he had netted in a row.
Vardy will have fond memories from this fixture last season too. A man of the match WhoScored rating of 9.39, scoring once and registering 2 assists, remains his best ever in the Premier League. It was the game in which Vardy truly announced himself at this level, though no-one could have predicted his current run of form, with a season rating of 7.90 second only to teammate Riyad Mahrez in England’s top tier.
The England international’s relentless work ethic could well prove problematic again for United considering they have had to recover from a disappointing result in the Champions League in midweek. As a result, if the visitors begin to tire in the dying stages Vardy will be on hand to punish them, so - though it's a risk - I’m a buyer and would trade shares in the 28-year old in the second half of Buabook’s match market south of £0.80, continuing to buy the more his value drops, backing the Leicester man to break Van Nistelrooy’s record.
On the opposing side the away fans will be hoping that Anthony Martial can convert his encouraging form into goals once again. After a scintillating start to life in Manchester - still boasting the best WhoScored rating for the club (7.51) - the youngster has failed to score in 6 Premier League appearances. He faded badly in the second half against PSV on Tuesday having made his return from injury and may struggle to last the 90 once again.
That said, if Martial can get off to a strong start, Leicester are far from watertight at the back. Ranieri’s men, despite sitting top, have been losing at half time in 6 matches this season, while only six teams have conceded more goals (20). If Martial does get on the scoresheet before the interval I’ll be a seller in any shares in the forward above £1.20, and if he hasn’t found the net will sell shares at £0.30 or higher as he is unlikely to improve in the second half.
Saturday’s evening kick-off is something of a good versus evil battle for the football purists. Can Vardy inspire another exciting attacking display from the hosts to extend Leicester's unlikely lead at the top or will Van Gaal’s improving backline win out?
You can trade the values of any of the players on display as Leicester host United with Buabook, the first player trading exchange based on detailed statistics
