Manchester United will look to bounce back from yet another disappointment in midweek as they travel to Elland Road to take on Leeds United in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
Manchester United’s poor start to the campaign continued in midweek, as they lost 2-0 at the Metropolitano against Atletico Madrid in the league phase of the Champions League – helping land Tuesday’s Football Bet of the Day.
That defeat comes off the back of a disappointing 1-1 draw at home to winless Spurs in the Premier League, despite having a goal and a man advantage for the final 15-20 minutes.
The Red Devils have now won just two of their opening nine matches in all competitions this season (W2-D3-L3) – with both of those coming at home to newly-promoted Ipswich Town in the Premier League and Sabah on MD1 in the league phase of the Champions League.
Leeds United come into this clash after suffering their first defeat in the Premier League this season, as they lost 2-1 in North London against reigning champions Arsenal.
James Justin gave the Whites the lead 10 minutes into the second half, but goals from Ricardo Calafiori and Bruno Guimaraes turned the game around and gave Mikel Arteta’s men all three points.
Nevertheless, Daniel Farke’s men head into the weekend in seventh position, three points better off than their visitors.
How the bookies view it: Leeds favourites
Leeds United come into this clash as favourites to secure all three points at Elland Road on Sunday, with bet365 pricing a home success at 27/20.
The Red Devils are 19/10 to claim just a second Premier League win of the season, whilst the draw is 13/5.
Head to head: Two unbeaten for Leeds
Leeds collected four points from their two clashes with Manchester United last season, drawing 1-1 in the corresponding fixture, before a 1-2 victory at Old Trafford in April.
Players to watch: Another card for Ampadu?
Ethan Ampadu is no stranger to the referee’s notebook, with his yellow card at the Emirates last weekend being his second in his last three appearances for club and country.
The Welsh international was also booked when these two rivals last met at Old Trafford in April, and looks like decent value at 11/5 at bet365 to be shown a card at Elland Road on Sunday.
Predicted line-ups:
Leeds will still be without the injured Joe Rodon and Mateo Joseph, whilst Dan James, Harry Wilson and Jean-Matteo Bahoya are doubts.
Manchester United will miss the injured Manuel Ugarte and Patrick Dorgu, while Luke Shaw, Noussair Mazraoui, Kobbie Mainoo and Benjamin Sesko are all doubts.
Leeds United: Trafford, Justin, Elvedi, Muharemovic, Bogle, Ampadu, Tanaka, Gudmundsson, Stach, Okafor, Calvert-Lewin
Manchester United: Lammens, Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Martinez, Baleba, Tielemans, Mbeumo, Fernandes, Rashford, Cunha
Anything else catch the eye?
Michael Carrick is a man under serious pressure following another disappointing result in midweek, and things don't get much easier with a trip to Elland Road against rivals Leeds United.
Daniel Farke’s hosts have performed well this season and will have their backers at 27/20, but I’m happy to go with the slightly more conservative pick and back them -0.25 Asian Handicap, meaning a draw will mean we only lose half our stake.
The Red Devils have drawn three of their last four Premier League outings – and given Leeds have drawn three of their past five – I’m also happy to have a play on the draw.
GambleAware