Newly-promoted Leicester City will be looking to build on last week’s triumph over Stoke City when they host revived Manchester United and extend their unbeaten run to three games. Meanwhile, the Red Devils hope the 4-0 victory over QPR will be just the start of a successful streak that will help them close the gap behind England’s top sides.

First win of the season

Despite winning the Championship title in style, Leicester City were always going to face a tough task of surviving the Premier League season, but the Foxes have already shown they are not here only to make up the numbers. Despite not signing too many new players, the club management still did a very good job in the summer transfer window, with the likes of Esteban Cambiasso, Leonardo Ulloa and Nick Powell expected to play key roles this term. Leicester City in turn showed a lot of promise in the first two fixtures even if they ended up picking just one point from games against Everton and Chelsea, while the Capital One Cup defeat to Shrewsbury Town didn’t seem to have destabilised the squad. The Foxes in turn produced two very good displays to hold Arsenal to a 1-1 draw at King Power Stadium before defeating Stoke City away to record the first win of the season. Chances are the hosts will find it hard to match revived Manchester United on Sunday, but scoring a goal or two past Red Devils’ shocking defence is unlikely to be a problem. Buoyed by the victory at the Britannia, the Foxes can be trusted to adopt a positive approach.

Kasper Schmeichel and Matty James are back in contention, but midfielder Nick Powell is ineligible to face his parent club.

Finally back to business

When he arrived at Old Trafford Louis van Gaal made it clear that it would take at least a couple of months for the players to adapt to his ideas, but he probably didn’t think it would take him five games to record the first win with Manchester United. Following the dismal start to the season, the Red Devils finally turned on the style against QPR, winning the clash 4-0, with new recruits Angel Di Maria, Daley Blind and Ander Herrera especially impressive. And with Radamel Falcao slowly returning to his best, scoring goals will not be an issue this season, but problems clearly lie on the other side of the pitch. United’s shaky defence has been conceding goals for fun as well as making mistakes in the matches where they somehow managed to keep a clean sheet, and it is perfectly clear the Red Devils will have to score at least a couple of goals in every match they expect to win. Given that Marcos Rojo and Chris Smalling are now back in contention, the defence might show some improvement at King Power Stadium, but I just cannot see them keeping a clean sheet in the process.

Luke Shaw and Chris Smalling are both back, but Michael Carrick, Phil Jones, Marouane Fellaini, Ashley Young, Jesse Lindgard and James Wilson are out injured.

Verdict

Leicester City have so far given a very good account of themselves against England’s top sides, but they could struggle to contain United’s world-class attackers. The Red Devils are still not playing to their potential, but I can see them winning what should be a high-scoring match.

Top pick: Over 2.5 goals   1.75 (3/4) @ BetVictor

Alternative pick 1: Both teams to score   1.75 (3/4) @ Ladbrokes

Alternative pick 2: Away win + both teams to score   3.25 (9/4) @ William Hill