Leeds United vs Manchester United
The war of the roses in the Premier League and, for those fans who don’t remember the last time Leeds United were in the top flight, let me tell you something.
If supporters were allowed inside Elland Road this Sunday, the stadium would be well and truly rocking.
For this is not a clash for the faint-hearted. Indeed, the Yorkshire club’s atmosphere has been as traditionally toxic as it has been white-hot when their arch rivals are in town.
Even without fans, this encounter is bound to create Premier League highlights as the home side look to avenge a pre-Christmas hammering and Manchester United look to secure the runners-up spot.
Talking Points
Leeds will relish playing their arch rivals, just a few weeks after their last gasp triumph at the home of the champions elect, Manchester City.
In fact, Marcelo Bielsa’s team really have shown their potential over the last two games, following up that win at City by holding deposed champions Liverpool to a draw on Monday night.
Despite their efforts on the pitch, the Yorkshire club arguably showed a lack of class off it.
Players warming up in T-shirts that carry the message: “Earn it on the pitch” and “Football is for the fans” was a good touch. But to then leave the same shirts in Liverpool’s dressing room, in case they wanted to protest, seemed almost accusatory.
The Merseyside club may have been one of the big six in England who had initially signed up to the proposed European Super League but those behind the suggested breakaway tournament were not the players nor managers but the men in certain boardrooms across the country.
United were also one of the six clubs who aligned themselves with the tournament before subsequently withdrawing and their owners are as culpable as the next.
With that particular battle now over for the time being – although one suspects the war is anything but – hopefully this story can now be parked and we can go back to concentrating on the actual football.
The Red Devils cemented second place last weekend with a 3-1 win over Burnley, even if the scoreline slightly flattered the hosts.
Team news wise, winger Raphinha is struggling to recover in time from the thigh injury he sustained against City a fortnight ago.
Club record signing Rodrigo remains out with a muscle problem, while captain Liam Cooper is serving a three-match ban.
United striker Marcus Rashford is still nursing a foot injury and may not be risked from the start, while centre back Eric Bailly is likely to be involved in the squad after recovering from Covid-19.
Leeds have lost just once at home in their past six league games and are aiming to go six consecutive Premier League matches unbeaten for the first time since 2002.
That unbeaten run was halted by a 4-3 home defeat to United, which included two goals from a certain Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
It should be compelling to see if he triumphs again this time from the dugout.
It certainly will be an attacking game – the philosophy of both managers will ensure that.
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, 35 draws and 47 United triumphs, including a 6-2 romp just before Christmas when Scott McTominay netted twice in the opening three minutes.
The last time they met at Elland Road in the top flight was October 2003 when skipper Roy Keane scored a perfectly timed header to win the contest.
Leeds have only won two of their last 17 meetings in all competitions.
Betting Tip
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Leeds United vs Manchester United | First Half Over 1.25 @ 2.14 |
| April 25, 21:00 (GMT+8) |
Solskjaer’s visitors have the edge with the SBOTOP Premier League betting odds.
Whether 1X2 @ 194 or Asian Handicap -0.75 @ 2.26, they are favourites, while the hosts are priced 1X2 @ 3.65 and Asian Handicap +0.25 @ 2.28.
The draw is on offer at what will appeal to some @ 3.55.
There were eight goals in their last meeting and for plenty goals again this time, take a look at over 3.00 goals @ 2.09, total goal 4-6 @ 2.85 and even correct score 2-2 @ 12.50.
I do think there will be plenty of goals in this encounter, although not as many as in their most recent meeting.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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|---|---|---|---|
| = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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