Leeds United host Manchester United in a fierce Super Sunday encounter at Elland Road.
Victory would see Leeds improve to 16th in the table, whilst Man Utd can go second with a win for at least a few hours at minimum.
Team News
Pascal Struijk is ruled out for Leeds after he suffered a concussion in their 2-2 draw against Utd in midweek at Old Trafford.
Luis Sinsterra (hamstring), Liam Cooper and Marc Roca (both unspecified) are doubtful but Adam Forshaw (hip), Rodrigo, Sonny Perkins (both ankle), Archie Gray (toe) and Stuart Dallas (thigh) are ruled out.
Man Utd could welcome Aaron Wan-Bissaka back into contention after he missed their midweek draw due to illness.
Antony (leg) again is a doubt but Scott McTominay (knock), Casemiro (suspension), Christian Eriksen (ankle), Donny van de Beek (knee), Anthony Martial (leg) and Mason Greenwood (personal) remain absent.
When is Kick-Off?
Leeds host Man Utd at Elland Road in a 2pm GMT kick-off on Sunday 12 February, live on Sky Sports in UK.
Stat Attack
- Leeds are winless in their last eight league meetings against Man Utd (D3, L5).
- Man Utd have avoided defeat in four of their last five visits to Elland Road (W3, D1, L1).
- Utd’s Bruno Fernandes has scored four goals in his last three appearances against Leeds.
- Leeds have won just one of their last eight league matches played at home (W1, D4, L3).
- Marcus Rashford has scored in two of Utd’s last three away matches in the Premier League.
Prediction
In a rare situation where both league meetings are being played back-to-back in the space of four days, I am intrigued as to how both managers adapt with Leeds and Man Utd eager to respond for different reasons.
Having sacked Jesse Marsch just over 48 hours earlier, Leeds seemed to had finally found their finishing touch again with two early goals in both halves yet defensive errors slowly crept in so I do expect them to try and show more defensive mettle on home turf but still attack hard.
Utd meanwhile seemed to travel back in time performance wise to their opening games under Erik Ten Hag this season with a sloppy performance despite snatching a draw, but it is worth acknowledging that they are currently in the midst of a relentless schedule so hopefully it is just a blip.
Elland Road though will be a tricky place for the Red Devils to visit given that the Whites are yet to lose at home since New Year, and will be boosted by a strong home crowd eager to see them deliver another positive performance.
I also suspect that Man Utd will have one eye on Thursday’s Europa League visit to Barcelona but they will need to focus on this game first, especially knowing that victory would put them right into the title race which would certainly throw the pressure onto Manchester City plus Arsenal.
This weekend though has thrown up some surprise results and I can see more of the same here if Leeds can score first.
Prediction: Leeds United 1-1 Manchester United
Result: Leeds United 0-2 Manchester United
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