Leeds United
Manchester United FC
Manchester United FC
Manchester United travel to Leeds with last meeting a 6-2 classic
Manchester United to win 2-1
These two sides gave fans and neutrals alike one of the most memorable games of the season when they met back in December.
Eight goals were shared between the two, with Manchester United coming out winners in a blistering 6-2 performance which saw them break into the top four for the first time this season.
It reminded us of great games between these two in the past, back when Leeds were a real force in the Premier League in the 1990s and early 2000s. United will hope for more of the same here to cement their 2nd position.
Leeds will aim to keep things a good deal tighter than that game, where they conceded twice within the first three minutes.
They’ve been in great form recently, going unbeaten across their last five games after losing four of the previous five.
Will we be treated to more of the same here?
Form Guide (all comps): DWWWD
Reasons to be cheerful:
Great run of form, with 11 points claimed from last 15 available
Just one defeat at home in last six games
Reasons to be fearful:
Haven’t beaten United in the league since 2002
Raphinha may miss out through injury
Leeds have been terrific over the past month or two, rising into the top half of the table following a brilliant string of results and performances.
Questions had been asked when the Peacocks suffered from four defeats from their previous five games, leaving the club drifting in 12th. However, with draws against Chelsea and Liverpool, as well as a memorable victory over Manchester City, they look a team reborn right now.
Unfortunately, it seems that one of their key players, Raphinha, is likely to miss out here due to a thigh injury he picked up during the win over City.
Their defence has been much tougher recently, conceding just once in each of their last four games, and they will hope to keep things more secure against United this weekend.
Star Man – Patrick Bamford
Without his link up partner Raphinha, top scorer Bamford will need to shoulder the goalscoring responsibility here.
Form Guide (all comps): WWWWW
Reasons to be cheerful:
Five wins on the bounce in all competitions
23 consecutive away matches without defeat
Reasons to be fearful:
Leeds will be desperate for revenge after 6-2 defeat
Busy fixture schedule coming up
Manchester United’s 6-2 victory over Leeds came as their six win from seven games, in the middle of a run which took them to the top of the Premier League for a period of time.
It was this game, however, that showed us the attacking quality which we’ve come to expect from Manchester United over the years, scoring twice within the first few minutes and putting Leeds to the sword.
They have the second best goal difference in the league this season, and this was one of the games which has helped them achieve that.
United’s concern will be their busy fixture list over the next few weeks, with a Europa League semi final coming up a few days later. They don’t have any new injury concerns, but will probably rotate one or two players here.
Star Man – Mason Greenwood
The United youngster has four goals in his last three league games.
Manchester United are favourites
Expect a tighter game than the earlier meeting
Chances for both sides to take the lead
We should probably not expect another high scoring classic here, with Leeds improving their defence recently.
That said, both sides are built to score goals, and we should believe that there will be chances at either end of the pitch.
United are favourites to win with the quality they have up front, with the likes of Cavani and Greenwood.
Manchester United to win 2-1
