Softfootball previews Wednesday night’s EFL Cup fourth-round matchup between Manchester United and Leicester City, highlighting predictions, team updates, and expected lineups.
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This game marks the start of a new chapter for Manchester United after Erik ten Hag’s departure, with United looking to regain form at home against Premier League counterparts Leicester City, who are eager for a break from their relegation battle.
Match Preview
After more than two years in charge, Erik ten Hag’s tenure at Old Trafford has concluded, ending a period of mixed fortunes marked by cup success and league inconsistency.
A disappointing start to the 2023-24 season saw United win only three of their first nine Premier League matches, leaving them in eighth place. This weekend’s defeat to West Ham—thanks to goals from Crysencio Summerville and Jarrod Bowen—proved to be the final straw.
Taking temporary charge is former United forward Ruud Van Nistelrooy, who managed PSV Eindhoven last season and brings fresh ambition to a Red Devils side struggling for momentum.
Leicester City, meanwhile, head to Old Trafford following a 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest, leaving Steve Cooper’s men in 15th place in the Premier League standings. While they recently triumphed over Bournemouth and Southampton, the Foxes have grappled with consistency.
The EFL Cup, however, offers them a chance to refocus, having already overcome Tranmere Rovers and Walsall in the earlier rounds. For Leicester, success in this competition would hold particular significance—it has been 25 years since their last EFL Cup win, making this season an opportunity to refresh their cup history.
Team News
Manchester United
United are missing key players, including Antony (ankle) and center-backs Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro due to respective injuries. Left-back Luke Shaw remains sidelined, although he’s nearing a return, while Noussair Mazraoui’s availability is uncertain after sustaining a knock against West Ham.
Leicester City
Leicester will be without Patson Daka (ankle), meaning Jamie Vardy may lead the attack once more. Defender Jannik Vestergaard and midfielder Hamza Choudhury are also sidelined, leaving Steve Cooper with a limited squad.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester United:
Onana; Dalot, De Ligt, Lindelof, Martinez; Ugarte, Eriksen; Diallo, Fernandes, Garnacho; Zirkzee
Leicester City:
Ward; Justin, Coady, Okoli, Thomas; Soumare, Skipp; McAteer, El Khannouss, De Cordova-Reid; Edouard
Match Prediction
With Van Nistelrooy looking to impress as interim manager, United will likely press hard for a win, especially given Leicester’s plan to rotate their lineup. Despite Leicester’s resilience, Manchester United are expected to secure victory at Old Trafford, advancing to the EFL Cup quarter-finals.
