Manchester Utd – Leeds : Preview & Prediction
Despite nearly 50 miles separating Manchester United and Leeds United, this is one of the fiercest rivalries in English soccer, with the relationship fueled by hatred between the two sides meeting for the 112th time (MU: G49, E36, P26). Erik ten Hag’s side will go in search of that 50th win on record without the suspended Casemiro, and that is certainly a bad sign given that United have lost three of the four games in all competitions this season in which the Brazilian midfielder has not played.
However, this home game should make up for that disappointment, as the Red Devils won each of their last 13 games at Old Trafford as they continue to inch ever closer to the club record of 20 straight wins from the famous Sir Alex Ferguson days. Extending that streak and closing to within five points of leaders Arsenal also looks likely here, especially considering they have not lost any of their last 17 home league games (G11, E6) to these fierce rivals.
Rivals off the pitch, it’s hard to say that Leeds and Manchester United are rivals on the pitch at the moment, with Leeds’ struggles deepening week by week. A 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest increased the pressure on Jesse Marsch, and after Leeds fans made their views perfectly clear at full-time by serenading their American boss with a chant of ‘Jesse, it’s time to go’, the Leeds board acted accordingly and certified his sacking on Monday.
It’s easy to see why Leeds decided to sack Marsch after a run of just two wins in 17 Premier League (PL) games (E5, P10) that plunged them to the periphery of the relegation zone. With pride and points at stake in the first of a double-header against Manchester United, it’s hard to see a way out of this rut for Leeds unless they can secure what would be only their second win over the Red Devils at Old Trafford since 1981.
Players to watch: Going through arguably the best spell of his career, Marcus Rashford would become the first Manchester United player since Wayne Rooney in April 2012 to score in six consecutive home league games if he scores his first goal against Leeds. Wilfried Gnonto has been a shining light in a dark season for Leeds, scoring each of his three goals this campaign during the first half.
Key stat: Leeds have scored exactly once in five of their last six away games against Manchester United.
Manchester Utd – Leeds : Betting Tips
Manchester Utd – Win Odds: 1.45
