There is a Champions League play-in game on the Premier League schedule for Sunday, July 26, 2020, when Leicester City hosts Manchester United. One of these teams will clinch a Champions League spot, while the other will rely on the result of another game to learn their fate. This game will air live on NBC at 11:00 a.m. EST.
Entering the final matchday of the season, Leicester City sits in fifth place, on 62 points, and are the first team out of the Champions League. The Foxes have occupied a top four spot for most of the season, but a loss Sunday will see them only qualify for the Europa League. If Leicester win, they are in, if they lose, they are out, and if they draw then Leicester would qualify for the Champions League with a Wolves win over Chelsea.
Manchester United sit in third place, with 63 points, and face the same scenario as Leicester City; win and you are in. United are in a better position than Leicester City as a draw will also see United through to the Champions League.
Below is my pick for the Premier League showdown between Leicester City and Manchester United. All odds are from BetRivers.
Leicester City (+225) vs Manchester United (+125) Draw (+250)
Last time out, Leicester City’s slide continued with a poor 3-0 loss at Tottenham. Spurs put this came on ice in the first half thanks to two Harry Kane goals and own goal by James Justin. Leicester had 70% of the possession, and three more shots on goal, but they never really looked threatening. Leicester have two wins, three draws, and four losses since the Premier League restarted. Thanks to an 11-4-2 record, and 37 points, Leicester City are the fifth best home club in the Premier League. Since the restart, Leicester City has two wins, one draw, and one loss at home.
Manchester United could blew a golden chance to get some breathing room as they played to a 1-1 home draw with West Ham. Michail Antonio continued his red-hot form with a penalty in first half stoppage time, but Mason Greenwood tied it up for the Red Devils in the 51st minute. United has six wins, three draws, and one loss since the English season restarted. Manchester United are the sixth best road club thanks to a 7-5-6 record and 26 points. Since the restart, United has four wins and one draw on the road.
Series History: These two clubs have met 129 times in the past and Manchester United holds a 67-29-33 advantage. United won the reverse fixture 1-0 back in mid-September.
Game Prediction: The Leicester City defense is a mess right now, so I see Manchester United getting all three points on the road.
2020 Results: 87-75