Man Utd vs Leicester: Will the title be won at Old Trafford?
It would be a fitting climax for Leicester if they were to claim the Premier League at the 'Theatre of Dreams'
The joke goes that when Man United hired Louis van Gaal they wanted to see the Premier League trophy back at Old Trafford - and they will get their wish if Leicester win there on Sunday.
Unfortunately the joke doesn't quite work because no matter what happens this weekend, the Foxes will have to wait to get their hands on the trophy, which will be presented to them at Stamford Bridge on the last day of the season, barring a monumental meltdown from Claudio Ranieri's team.
But victory would see Leicester's incredible title chase reach an extraordinary and fitting conclusion at the Theatre of Dreams. Winning would put them ten points clear at the top of the table, with only nine points left for second-placed Spurs to play for.
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At the start of the season anyone who earmarked this game as the title decider would have raised eyebrows. Surely United would not have seen off Arsenal, Man City and Chelsea by May Day weekend. No-one but a madman would have suggested that it would be Wes Morgan of Leicester City hoping to lead the celebrations. The game is taking place on 1 May, not 1 April.
But can Leicester do it?
Winning the title by beating United at Old Trafford "would be a majestic way for Leicester to clinch the title," says The Guardian. "But United, in reduced sporting circumstances these days, could sure do with postponing Leicester's party this Sunday, otherwise their chances of joining Claudio Ranieri's team in next season's Champions League will be slim."
There can be no "greater incentive" than the prospect of a league title, says Jason Burt of the Daily Telegraph. "But avoiding defeat, and sowing a seed of doubt, is even more important while United still harbour hopes of a top four finish and will not want to see them completely disappear – and the title won by an opponent in their stadium." He predicts a draw.
A look at the statistics might also suggest that the romantic's hopes will be dashed, suggests The Independent. United have won their last six home games and have conceded only seven goals at Old Trafford all season.
The Foxes will also be without Jamie Vardy, who is suspended. Much will rest on Argentine striker Leonardo Ulloa, who has three goals in his last two games. "If he continues to fire, Leicester could well be celebrating winning the league on Sunday night," adds the paper.
However, Paul Merson of Sky Sports believes that United will not allow the Foxes to embarrass them by winning the league in front of their fans. Wayne Rooney's conversion into a midfield general gave United an extra dimension in the FA Cup he says, and predicts a home win.
Manchester United vs Leicester City, 2.05pm Sunday, Sky Sports 1
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