FA Cup: Manchester United vs. Leicester City Preview – February 7, 2025

FA Cup: Manchester United vs. Leicester City Preview – February 7, 2025



The FA Cup continues with an exciting fixture between Manchester United and Leicester City on February 7, 2025. Both teams will be looking to progress further in this historic tournament, making this a highly anticipated matchup at Old Trafford.

 

Event Details

  • Fixture: Manchester United vs. Leicester City
  • Date: Friday, February 7, 2025
  • Kick-Off Time: 19:45 GMT / 14:45 ET / 20:45 CET
  • Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
  • Broadcast & Live Stream:
    • UK: BBC Sport, ITV
    • US: ESPN+, Paramount+
    • Worldwide: Check local listings for coverage and streaming options

 

Team News

Manchester United

Erik ten Hag’s side will aim to continue their strong form and push for FA Cup glory. United have been impressive at home, making Old Trafford a fortress in cup competitions.

  • Injuries/Suspensions:
    • Lisandro Martรญnez: Out with a foot injury.
    • Casemiro: Doubtful due to a minor knock.
    • Antony: Suspension after receiving a red card in the last match.
  • Key Players:
    • Bruno Fernandes: The creative force in midfield.
    • Marcus Rashford: A major goal threat on the left wing.
    • Rasmus Hรธjlund: The young striker looking to make an impact.




Leicester City

Leicester, under Enzo Maresca, have been in fine form in the Championship and will be eager to prove themselves against top-flight opposition.

  • Injuries/Suspensions:
    • Jamie Vardy: A doubt due to a hamstring strain.
    • Wilfred Ndidi: Still recovering from a knee injury.
    • Jannik Vestergaard: Suspension due to yellow card accumulation.
  • Key Players:
    • James Maddison: The playmaker capable of unlocking defenses.
    • Kelechi Iheanacho: A striker with FA Cup pedigree.
    • Harry Souttar: A defensive rock at the back.

 

Possible Lineups

Manchester United (4-2-3-1):

  • Goalkeeper: Andrรฉ Onana
  • Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Raphaรซl Varane, Victor Lindelรถf, Luke Shaw
  • Midfielders: Christian Eriksen, Scott McTominay
  • Attacking Midfielders: Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford
  • Forward: Rasmus Hรธjlund

Leicester City (4-3-3):

  • Goalkeeper: Mads Hermansen
  • Defenders: Ricardo Pereira, Wout Faes, Harry Souttar, James Justin
  • Midfielders: Youri Tielemans, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, James Maddison
  • Forwards: Harvey Barnes, Kelechi Iheanacho, Marc Albrighton

 

Playing Ground: Old Trafford

Old Trafford, the iconic home of Manchester United, provides a formidable setting for this FA Cup clash. With a capacity of over 74,000, the atmosphere will be electric as both teams fight for a place in the next round.

 

Head-to-Head Record

  • Total Matches: 137
  • Manchester United Wins: 72
  • Leicester City Wins: 36
  • Draws: 29

Manchester United have historically dominated this fixture, but Leicester have pulled off surprising results in recent encounters, including an FA Cup victory in 2021.

 

Match Preview

Manchester United’s Tactical Approach

United will aim to control possession and apply pressure through quick transitions. Bruno Fernandes will be the main orchestrator, while Rashford’s pace could be a major weapon against Leicester’s backline.

Leicester City’s Strategy

Leicester will look to exploit counterattacks and rely on their creative midfielders to break United’s defensive shape. Iheanacho, known for his FA Cup performances, could be a decisive figure upfront.

 

Key Battles

  1. Bruno Fernandes vs. Youri Tielemans: A midfield battle that could dictate the game’s tempo.
  2. Marcus Rashford vs. Ricardo Pereira: Speed vs. defensive discipline on the left flank.
  3. Raphaรซl Varane vs. Kelechi Iheanacho: A veteran defender against a clinical finisher.

 

Betting Odds & Predictions

  • Manchester United Win: 4/7
  • Leicester City Win: 5/1
  • Draw: 3/1

Manchester United are favorites, but Leicester’s underdog spirit makes this an intriguing tie. A 2-1 win for Manchester United is a likely result.

 

How to Watch

United Kingdom:

  • BBC Sport
  • ITV

United States:

  • ESPN+
  • Paramount+

Global:

  • Check local broadcasters for live coverage.

 

Conclusion

This FA Cup clash between Manchester United and Leicester City promises to be an exciting encounter at Old Trafford. United’s attacking power makes them favorites, but Leicester’s fighting spirit could lead to a competitive battle. Fans should expect drama, goals, and a thrilling night of cup football on February 7, 2025.