Will the Red Devils manage a second win in a row?
Leeds United will be hoping to spring a surprise against Manchester United at home to Elland Road. The Red Devils have offered something in so many games this season when they were favourites.
Before the Leeds vs Manchester United match, the betting odds show that the visitors go into this match as favourites. The table constellation as well as the individual class speak for this. Also, the Red Devils come to Leeds with a win under their belt.
But in many games of the current season the team did not reach their top level. That should be the case in Leeds, though, as the battle for the Champions League is definitely fierce and tight. Kick-off is on Sunday afternoon at 3pm.
Leeds – Statistics & current form
The current season for Leeds is not exactly easy. The squad is relatively small, which ensures that failures can be very bitter. Currently, coach Marcelo Biels’ side sit in 15th place in a Premier League table that is still somewhat muddled by a number of fixture failures. However, relegation worries are still present.
Last weekend, Leeds United played away at Everton FC and lost 3-0, a game that did nothing to significantly improve the situation in the fight against relegation. On the contrary. In addition, there is uncertainty in the coaching position, as Marcelo Bielsa’s contract expires at the end of the season and it is not possible to reliably determine what will happen next.
In addition, Leeds now have to play an opponent against whom they have won only one of their last 16 league games. Furthermore, with 46 goals conceded, Leeds have the second weakest defence in the entire league, only Norwich City with 50 conceded goals is worse on the road.
Leeds hope for surprise
No doubt, though, it remains to be said that Leeds are capable of pulling off a surprise on a good day. However, those good days have been too rare in games against the league’s top teams. Results like the 1:5 in the first leg or the 0:7 at Manchester City were more the order of the day. But there were also narrow defeats like against Chelsea and Tottenham, where even a draw would have been possible.
Leeds have a slightly better record at home than away this season. Three wins and four draws and four defeats each are not bad results for coach Bielsa’s team. Only 17 of the 46 goals conceded have been at home.
Leeds are characterised by the fact that this team does not deviate from its own offensive approach even against strong opponents. Balance will be very important in this game, especially because that has often been a problem. Because Manchester United also like to offer something, our prediction before the Leeds vs Manchester United match is that both teams will come to score.
Predicted Leeds line-up:
Meslier – Ayling, Llorente, Struijk, Dallas – Koch, Klich, Shackleton, Raphinha, Harrison – James
Last matches played by Leeds:
Premier League
02/12 2022 – Everton 3 – 0 Leeds
02/09 2022 – Aston Villa 3 – 3 Leeds
01/22 2022 – Leeds 0 – 1 Newcastle United
01/16 2022 – West Ham 2 – 3 Leeds
FA Cup
01/09 2022 – West Ham 2 – 0 Leeds
Manchester United – Statistics & current form
The 2021/22 season has not been plain sailing for Manchester United so far. The Red Devils play well at times, have their bright moments, but some things don’t go right either. That is why the team is not at the top of the table, but is fighting with other clubs for a place in the UEFA Champions League. The new coach, Ralf Rangnick, has provided a little more structure and a breath of fresh air, but fundamental problems remain.
In general, however, there are some statistics that should encourage the visitors. Manchester United have not lost away from home six times in a row in the league, and they also have a good record in recent duels with this opponent. Bruno Fernandes, in particular, loves to come on against Leeds, making six direct goal contributions in just three encounters.
Manchester United: Let’s not take another step backwards
Currently Manchester United are battling it out with Arsenal, West Ham and Tottenham for fourth place, with the top three spots seemingly already spoken for. On Tuesday, there was a 2-0 win against Brighton in the catch-up game, before that the Red Devils fluffed against Burnley and Southampton, when they played 1-1 each. The 2-0 against Brighton was a step forward, the next step backwards should be prevented.
Also because the important game in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid is on the agenda on Wednesday. The dress rehearsal should now succeed and at least defensively the Red Devils did not offer too much recently. Four goals conceded in the last five league games is a decent average.
In general, two defeats in the last 15 league games are a solid rate, but the five draws in this period rather show where the problem lies. Manchester United have often failed to stay focused for 90 minutes and consistently push forward. Nevertheless, there is a lot to be said for the visitors, which is why our value tip before the Leeds v Manchester United match is that the Rangnick eleven will win.
Predicted Manchester United line-up:
De Gea – Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Lindelöf, Telles – McTominay, Fred, Bruno Fernandes, Sancho, Elanga – Ronaldo
Last matches played by Manchester United:
Premier League
02/15 2022 – Manchester United 2 – 0 Brighton
02/12 2022 – Manchester United 1 – 1 Southampton
02/08 2022 – Burnley 1 – 1 Manchester United
FA Cup
02/04 2022 – Manchester United (7)1 – 1(8) Middlesboro
Premier League
01/22 2022 – Manchester United 1 – 0 West Ham
Leeds – Manchester United Direct Comparison / H2H Record
These two teams have played quite a few games against each other. Manchester United won the first leg 5-1 and are also ahead overall in the direct comparison. 49 games went to the Red Devils, 26 duels won Leeds. 36 games also ended in a draw. With 164:110, Manchester United have scored significantly more goals.
Leeds – Manchester United Tip
Leeds have consistently shown their class in individual games this season. Against Manchester United, however, an absolute top performance will be necessary to take home a point or even more. The Red Devils are favourites, after all.
The hosts will not deviate from their own alignment and play forward in this match. Maintaining balance in the process, however, is an important factor. The second-weakest defence has managed that too rarely so far, which is why our tip before the Leeds vs Manchester United match is that both teams will score.
