Man Utd v Leeds – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Man Utd host Leeds in the English Premier League at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon. The Red Devils have had a good transfer window with two high-profile arrivals whilst Leeds will hope to continue their fine finish to last season and avoid the famed “second season syndrome”. 

Man Utd Form

Man United finished last season with a disappointing defeat in the Europa League final to Villarreal on penalties. That result came on the back of a dip in results without the injured Harry Maguire in defence. The six matches before that showpiece saw three defeats as United were beaten 3-2 at Roma and twice in three days to Leicester and then Liverpool.

Prior to that, United has lost just once in 22 matches in all competitions. They have conceded 21 goals in their last 15 matches. Their final friendly match saw a very strong performance to beat Everton 4-0.

Man Utd Team News

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be without the injured Marcus Rashford in attack whilst Raphael Varane has been in quarantine and will not feature. Edison Cavani was given an extended off-season break and will be a substitute at best whilst a number of squad players are absent including Alex Telles and Jesse Lingard.

Jadon Sancho is expected to start alongside Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood in attack whilst Donny van de Beek could be a shock inclusion in a deeper midfield role with Paul Pogba and Fred late to return after international duty over the summer.

Man Utd Motivation

United will go all out to take three points from this match. Motivation will be very high due to the rivalry between these two teams plus the return of the fans for this grudge clash.

Solskjaer will be careful to manage the load of his players and with Cavani, Lingard and Rashford all expected to be out, the bench could lack some game-changing options.

The Lab – Stats Centre

Leeds Form

After 2021 had started with eight losses in 13 matches, the wheels threatened to come off. However, Leeds responded superbly and with seven wins and two draws in their final 10 league matches. That run saw them beat Man City and Spurs and take points off Liverpool and Man Utd. The season finished with four wins on the bounce after beating West Brom 3-1 on the final day.

Leeds have had a mixed pre-season including being thrashed 4-0 at Ajax with their best XI. Their final friendly saw a credible 2-2 draw with Villarreal.

Leeds Team News

It’s been a quiet window for Leeds. Ezgjan Alioski has departed at left-back and Junior Firpo has arrived from Barcelona to replace him. The latter is a slight doubt for this match though, as is centre-back Diego Llorente.

Jack Harrison’s loan from Man City has been made permanent and he will start on one flank with Raphinha down the opposite side. The big question is whether Rodrigo will start as a number ten or a more defensive option.

Leeds Motivation

Leeds usually play a very attacking high energy match and look to win. However, they played relatively conservatively in a few big matches in the second half of last season and earned 0-0 draws against Chelsea and Man Utd.

Bielsa’s intentions could be seen in his team selection if he goes with Rodrigo off Patrick Bamford – that would show he wants to attack and try to outscore Man Utd.

Key Stats

Man Utd have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 8 matches

Man Utd have conceded in 7 of their last 8 home PL matches

The Red Devils have seen Both Teams scoring in their last 5 home PL matches

Leeds have scored 10 goals in their last 5 away PL matches

Leeds have won 4 of their last 5 away PL matches

Man Utd beat Leeds 6-2 in this fixture last season

Prediction

This is one of the most difficult matches to predict of the weekend. These sides played out a 0-0 draw and an 8-goal thriller last season. Both teams should carry enough threat to score at least once and going for a high scoring affair looks like the best bet.