For the first time since September 2002, Leeds take on Manchester United in the Premier League while boasting more points than their old rivals, whose crisis dramatically deepened in midweek.
Match News and Current Form
Leeds suffered their first defeat of the Premier League season against Arsenal last week (2-1), and would’ve been flying high in the top four if they held onto their lead in the capital. Boss Daniel Farke was left “heartbroken” at coming away empty-handed from that fixture which continued a remarkable trend that’s seen Leeds fail to win any of their last 20 Premier League games to kick off before 3pm (D7, L13). That run stretches back to August 2022 and is the longest by any side in competition history, but the Whites must sense a chance to end that streak here given that they’re on their longest unbeaten home run in the top-flight since 2001 (W4, D3).
Manchester United have well and truly returned to the doldrums, with Tuesday’s 2-0 UEFA Champions League defeat to Atlético Madrid overshadowed by defender Lisandro Martínez launching an incredible post-match attack on the club’s board. His comments are unlikely to take any heat off boss Michael Carrick, who has overseen the club’s worst start to a league season since 1986/87 and managed just two wins in nine across all competitions (D3, L4). That’s despite the Red Devils registering a league-high 125 shots across their six games, and given that each of the last four teams to post that many finished in the top two, perhaps a turnaround is on the way despite United failing to win on the road so far this term (D2, L2).
Head-to-Head History
Leeds ended a ten-match winless run in Premier League H2Hs with their 2-1 victory at Old Trafford in April. United are therefore at risk of losing successive league games against Leeds for the first time since 1971/72, but have avoided defeat in their last seven trips to Elland Road (W5, D2).
Hot Stats and Streaks
Leeds have conceded just once before half-time in the Premier League this season.
Five of Leeds’ last six competitive home wins came by 2+ goal margins.
United have failed to keep a clean sheet in their opening six games of a second successive league season for the first time since the 1930s.
United are one of just two teams yet to score inside 30 minutes in the Premier League this term.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Following his brace in the last H2H, Noah Okafor could become the first Leeds player since Mark Viduka in 2002 to score in successive Premier League matches against United. Visiting captain Bruno Fernandes may have failed to score or assist in his last four league appearances, but he boasts more Premier League goal involvements against Leeds than any other United player (G6, A3).
Daniel James and Joe Rodon missed Leeds’ last game, as did Kobbie Mainoo and Luke Shaw for United.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
They may be in crisis, but the visitors’ record here makes United to win appealing at good odds.
Author: Ryan Fisher