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2022/23 English Premier League
Matchday 24
Manchester United v Leicester City
Old Trafford
Manchester, England
Sunday, 19 February 2023
Kick-off is at 16h00
Manchester United will look to stay in touch of the
Premier League's top two when they welcome Leicester to Old Trafford on Sunday, February 19.
The Red Devils closed within five points of league leaders Arsenal following a 2-0 victory over Leeds at Elland Road last Sunday, with the two fierce rivals having played out to a 2-2 draw just four days prior.
Erik ten Hag's side are now unbeaten in their last three matches since losing 3-2 to the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium on January 22 and they trail neighbours City by just two points in third position ahead of the top-two's clash in midweek.
Newcastle slipped five points behind United after recording a third successive draw and their 11th of the season to hold onto the final Champions League spot, with Tottenham just two adrift of the Tynesiders in fifth place.
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The Foxes recorded a surprise 4-1 win over Spurs at the King Power Stadium last Saturday as they battled back from an early goal down to score three times in the first half before sealing victory late on.
Brandon Rodgers' team endured a disappointing December and January, having gone winless in five games before registering back-to-back wins this month.
The East Midlands outfit find themselves six points clear of the relegation zone in 13th position and five adrift of the top 10, with Chelsea a further two ahead in ninth spot.
Bruno Fernandes appears to be getting back to his best for United, having contributed five goals and four assists in 22 league appearances this term. The Portugal international has been given captain's armband in the absence of Harry Maguire and is relishing the added responsibility.
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James Maddson has been Leicester's star performer this season and was sorely missed last month when a knee injury sidelined him for four matches. The attacking midfielder registered a goal and an assist in the comeback win over Tottenham and is now just one shy of the 10-goal mark.
In team news, the hosts continue to be without long-term absentees Donny van de Beek (knee) and Christian Eriksen (ankle), while Casemiro serves the final installment of a two-game suspension. Scott McTominay, Anthony Martial (groin) and Antony (leg) could return to action this month.
James Justin (leg) is ruled out for the remainder of the campaign for the visitors and Ryan Bertrand (knee) will be out for at least another month, although Jonny Evans, Youri Tielemans (both leg) and Boubakary Soumare (thigh) could make their comebacks in the next fortnight.
Ten Hag hailed another superb display from Marcus Rashford, who scored both home and away against Leeds last week to continue his remarkable form for the Red Devils, with the Dutchman labelling him amongst the best forwards in Europe.
"He is definitely one of them," Ten Hag declared. "I was convinced [by him] from the first moment. I was really excited to work with him. I thought I could get more out of him.
"He has so many skills, such high potential, and I think that can be even more. When he works well, he will score even more goals because he can score with his right, his left, and with his head."
Rodgers was impressed with the character of his players against Spurs and feels the Foxes can mix it up with the best in the league when they're in the mood.
"Without making excuses, there's a reason behind where we've been lacking and we weren't able to bring in players until January," the Ulsterman said.
"We've been able to improve, and you see the difference it makes. The play, the set-up and the hunger that's there. You want to play fast, exciting football - and when we're playing well, we produce performances like that.
"I've always said this group have character, and we responded to going behind magnificently to get ourselves back into the game."
Head-to-Head (Last Five Premier League Meetings)
Matches - 5
Man United - 1
Leicester - 2
Draws - 2
Premier League fixtures - matchday 24:
Saturday, February 18
14h30: Aston Villa v Arsenal
17h00: Brentford v Crystal Palace
17h00: Brighton & Hove Albion v Fulham
17h00: Chelsea v Southampton
17h00: Everton v Leeds United
17h00: Nottingham Forest v Manchester City
17h00: Wolverhampton Wanderers v Bournemouth
19h30: Newcastle United v Liverpool
Sunday, February 19
16h00: Manchester United v Leicester City
18h30: Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United
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