United look to keep up winning start
FRESH from consecutive 4-0 wins, Manchester United will be aiming for a hat-trick of victories when they face 2015 champions Leicester City at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Jose Mourinho’s side have been the most impressive of any of the title contenders in the Premier League so far, with new signing Romelu Lukaku claiming three goals from the opening two games.
Leicester, though, have also given their fans plenty of encouragement with a confident 2-0 win over promoted Brighton following on from their 4-3 defeat at Arsenal in the league’s opening game.
If United needed any reminder of the threat that Craig Shakespeare’s team pose on the break, City led 3-1 at the Emirates before Arsenal’s late comeback.
Recent form in head-to-head games suggests United should have the upper hand, though – they triumphed 4-1 in the corresponding fixture last season and then enjoyed a 3-0 win at the King Power Stadium.
Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has returned to Manchester United on a yearyear contract “to finish what I started”, the 35-year-old said.
“It was always mine and the club’s intention for me to stay. I cannot wait to get back out on that Old Trafford pitch,” he said. “I am back to finish what I started.”
Ibrahimovic has not played since May after suffering a knee ligament injury in the 2-1 Europa League win over Anderlecht.
He underwent surgery which was expected to keep him out for the rest of the year and, in yesterday’s statement, Ibrahimovic suggested he was not ready to make an immediate return.
“I know that I have to take my time to make sure that I am ready,” he said.
Although United released the much-travelled striker after his one-year contract expired in June, he was allowed to use their training ground to recuperate.
Ibrahimovic, who will wear the number 10 shirt, scored 28 goals in 46 appearances for the club last season, helping them to win the EFL Cup and Europa Cup.
Chelsea bounced back from their opening-day shock home defeat to Burnley with victory over London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley last week, but face another tough test against Everton on Sunday.
Ronald Koeman’s Everton impressed in their 1-1 draw at Manchester City on Monday, with Wayne Rooney scoring his second goal in as many games.
Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas is available for selection after completing his suspension, but skipper Gary Cahill remains suspended after his opening-day red card.
Everton will be without French midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, who was sent off at the Etihad on Monday, and also have to cope with a tight schedule that saw them travel to Croatia yesterday for a second-leg Europa League tie with Hajduk Split.
Liverpool, who qualified for the Champions League group stage on Wednesday with a win over Hoffenheim, have their biggest test of the Premier League season so far when they host Arsenal at Anfield.
Wembley Stadium will see a repeat of the 1962 FA Cup Final when Spurs host Burnley looking to bounce back from their loss to Chelsea last week.
Promoted Huddersfield Town look to extend their 100% record when they host Southampton. – Reuters