Leeds United vs Manchester United
So lengthy was Leeds’ absence from top flight English football, a younger generation of Premier League fans may not even realise this is no ordinary rivalry.
For Leeds United versus Manchester United is an historic battle laced with footballing pedigree and, in the case of the Yorkshire club for a spell in the 1970s, some accusations of brutality as well.
But I’ll leave you to look that up elsewhere.
In a nutshell though, Leeds really do not like their rivals, not helped by a lengthy period of United success while they were in the financial and footballing doldrums, including three seasons in English football’s third tier.
It’s fair to say then that a hostile welcome awaits the visitors this Sunday and, as is so often the case in these fixtures, Premier League highlights are all but guaranteed.
Talking Points
Let’s be honest, the league table shows neither club is where it wants to be right now.
Leeds’ campaign has been largely been spoilt by injuries and question marks against a number of key men remain ahead of the Roses clash.
Stuart Dallas, whose versatility has been the solution to so many of coach Marcelo Biela’s problems this season, became another issue to solve as he limped off in the eighth minute at Goodison Park last weekend.
The Ulsterman was replaced with 18-year-old defender Leo Hjelde, who then hobbled off himself at the end of the match after taking a knock.
That was a game which summed up Leeds’ bad luck this season as Rodrigo was denied twice by the crossbar in the opening half before Everton ran out 3-0 winners.
It also proved that, at least away from home, Leeds need to tighten up defensively – Bielsa’s side have now conceded 18 goals in their past five away league matches.
United have not been at full strength themselves of late but will hope the likes of Edison Cavani and Raphael Varane can return from injury and illness respectively as they try and hold onto the fourth place the tentatively hold.
To date, United’s season domestically has largely been an embarrassment, given the strength of squad and quality of players at their disposal.
From day one, the Red Devils have never been in the title mix and were knocked out of both domestic cups early on, leaving the Champions League as their only route to silverware this term.
A midweek victory at home to Brighton may have eased the pressure slightly but it didn’t paper over all the cracks and failure to win in Yorkshire and the spotlight will be firmly back on interim manager Ralf Rangnick and his players.
Character is a word which has been used against United in recent weeks.
If they can emerge triumphant from the Elland Road cauldron – and continue their terrific record against their rivals – then it may give us a clear indication of how the red half of Manchester will fare in the second half of the season.
History
When these sides first met in January 1923 in the then Division Two, they produced a goalless draw and probably no-one could imagine the rivalry which would develop half a century or so later.
That rivalry has seen 26 Leeds victories, 36 draws and 48 United triumphs, including a 5-1 opening weekend romp when Bruno Fernandes netted a hat-trick.
The last time they met at Elland Road in the top flight with spectators was October 2003 when skipper Roy Keane scored a perfectly timed header to win the contest for the then reigning champions.
Of course, they did battle out a goalless draw last April.
Leeds have only won two of their last 19 meetings in all competitions.
Betting Tip
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 | Leeds United vs Manchester United | Total Goals 4-6 @ 2.87 |
| February 20, 23:00 (GMT+8) |
The SBOTOP Premier League betting odds make the visitors favourites and they can be backed 1X2 @ 1.89 and Asian Handicap -0.75 @ 2.16.
Leeds are available to tip 1X2 @ 4.00 and Asian Handicap +0.25 @ 2.35.
The draw is on offer @ 3.45, odds that will certainly tempt many.
If there is to be a repeat of last season’s goalless draw, then correct score 0-0 will pay out @ 13.50.
Those odds, coupled with total goal 0-1 @ 4.20, suggests this will not be a low-scoring encounter and I wholeheartedly agree.
I suspect this will be an open affair and I am tempted to opt for total goal 4-6 @ 2.90. In fact, I will as my *** prediction.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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