Matchday Minus Two Talking Points: Expectation, Tactical Changes & Realisation

LCFC TV
12 Sep 2019
2 Minutes
Ahead of Saturday’s Premier League trip to Old Trafford, Steve Guppy and Gerry Taggart analysed a number of factors on Thursday’s episode of Matchday Minus Two.

- Gerry Taggart and Steve Guppy appeared on Matchday Minus Two this week
- The former Foxes assessed Leicester City’s chances at Old Trafford
- City take on Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday (3pm BST kick-off)

Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester City take on Manchester United in an attempt to extend their unbeaten run to six games in all competitions in the 2019/20 season.

With the Red Devils next up this weekend, Guppy and Taggart – who both lifted the League Cup while at the Club in 2000 – discussed a range of talking points on City’s regular live broadcast.

No pressure

Jamie Vardy has scored three goals in his last two Premier League appearances.

Gerry Taggart said: “It’s gone very well. Leicester have more than played their part in making it a really exciting start to the season. There was a lot of expectation, so the pressure is on. I think they’ve dealt with that very well. Brendan Rodgers has taken the pressure off the players.”

City on a roll

Steve Guppy said: “During the summer, they were getting on a role and there was a lot of excitement going into the new season. Since the Wolves game, they haven’t looked back. The players have to earn it, but all the excitement in pre-season is starting to be realised.”

Clean bill of health

The Spaniard trains at Belvoir Drive prior to Saturday's Premier League encounter with the Red Devils.

Gerry Taggart said: “The biggest thing a manager has to worry about is the international break and all of his players coming back okay. He’ll be watching those games, so it’s excellent that they’re all back and they’re okay. As coaching staff, you have to make sure that for the players that remain here, the training schedule remains interesting – it’s a balancing act.”

Multifaceted Foxes

Steve Guppy said: “It shows where the team is at at the moment. Manchester United are maybe not as strong as years gone by, but they’ve still got world-class players. Why not go there with confidence? It’s the right time for Leicester to go there and go there with confidence. The beauty of this Leicester side is they have the ability to play, but they can also sit in a bit and look to beat them on the break, because they have the pace.”

A change in tactics?

The Northern Irishman has seen his side lose just three times in 15 games since taking charge of the Foxes last term.

Gerry Taggart said: “I’d imagine nothing will change. I don’t think they’ll sit back, because I don’t think they need to. From what I’ve seen this season, Brendan won’t change his tactics, especially with his team remaining unbeaten – why would he?”

Steve Guppy’s score prediction: Manchester United 0 Leicester City 1
Gerry Taggart’s score prediction: Manchester United 1 Leicester City 2