Manchester United registered an impressive 3-2 Premier League win over Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month, but the joy was short-lived as they were ousted from the Champions League soon after.
Atletico Madrid sealed a 1-0 win at Old Trafford in the second leg of the round of 16. The Spanish champions thereby progressed to the last eight of the competition with a 2-1 aggregate triumph.
With the result, the Red Devils have now gone five seasons without winning silverware, but the main concern for now remains on whether they can secure a top-four finish in the league. If you are betting on United to finish fourth, you can use this PNXbet code to place your bets, but make sure you study United’s upcoming fixtures first.
They are currently sixth in the standings with 50 points, one behind Tottenham Hotspur and four adrift of the Gunners, who are currently occupying the final Champions League spot.
Mikel Arteta’s side also have a game in hand. United’s hopes of a top-four finish are heavily reliant on the Gunners dropping points, but they must start winning regularly to pile the pressure.
Hence, the upcoming clash against Leicester City could be season-defining as another setback could see the Gunners go seven points clear with a game in hand if they beat Crystal Palace.
United have traditionally got the better of the Foxes in the Premier League era, but the trend has recently changed with the Foxes registering back-to-back league wins against them.
They also beat United in the FA Cup quarter-final last term. With this in mind, the Foxes can’t be taken lightly. They should show a better defensive resolve with Wesley Fofana now fit.
United should still be favourites going into the game, but must capitalise on their quick start by finding the back of the net. This has not necessarily been the case over the past few months.
While they have been dominant in the opening phases of matches, it has not translated in the form of goals. This has paved the way for frustrating draws against teams they should have won against.
Against the Foxes, it could be more of an open encounter which may only favour United. However, Ralf Rangnick will need to be wary of the counter-attacking threat of the Foxes.
Jamie Vardy could be on the sidelines with a knee injury, but the Foxes still have the presence of Kelechi Iheanacho, James Maddison and Harvey Barnes, who could hurt United.
United have nine more league games left in the campaign. There is barely any room for setbacks hereafter if the club want to give themselves a realistic chance of making the top four.
