MANCHESTER UNITED will be aiming to make it 14 home wins across all competitions when they welcome old rivals Leeds United to Old Trafford on Wednesday night.
After sealing their place in the EFL Cup final last midweek, the Red Devils returned to winning ways in the Premier League on Saturday with a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace, on an afternoon where both of my bets banked.
That latest triumph coupled with results elsewhere means that Erik ten Hag's team have moved into third place in the table, just three points behind Man City.
As such, another victory against Leeds United on Wednesday night would put Man United joint-second in the top-flight standings, at least temporarily.
The visitors' Premier League relegation fears heightened at the weekend following a narrow 1-0 loss at Nottingham Forest, with the Tricky Trees justifying our man Mark's faith in them to claim top honours.
That setback prompted the Leeds hierarchy to part company with manager Jesse Marsch on Monday, with the Yorkshire club dangling dangerously above the drop zone ahead of their midweek trip to Old Trafford.
Outright Betting
Manchester United, who have won each of their last seven Premier League home games, head into this game as heavily fancied 9/20 (Bet 365) favourites.
Leeds United have won just once away from Elland Road this season and that is reflected in the odds, with the Whites 11/2 (PaddyPower) outsiders while a share of the spoils pays 4/1 (Bet 365).
Betting Angles
Unsurprisingly, the hosts are short priced favourites here, so I’ll get creative by making use of the Bet Builder feature by throwing together Manchester United to Win, Over One Match Goal and Over Zero Leeds Cards at 4/5 (Bet 365).
As already alluded to, Manchester United have made Old Trafford a fortress again this season, having won each of their last 13 matches in front of their own supporters, a sample that includes noteworthy victories over the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City.
What’s more, the revitalised Red Devils have racked up two or more team goals in seven of their 10 Premier League outings at the Theatre of Dreams this season, which doesn't bode well for a Leeds side that are notoriously poor on their travels.
The relegation-threatened Whites aforementioned loss at Nottingham Forest was their seventh defeat in 10 top-flight road trips this term, not to mention they have shipped 2+ strikes in 10 of their overall 20 league outings to date.
I’m therefore more than happy to back Manchester United to win this game and for the match to feature at least two goals, but to conclude the Bet Builder, I’ll also go with a minimum of one Leeds booking.
Leeds have averaged a sizable 2.30 cards in the Premier League this season – a tally that increases to 2.50 when operating away from West Yorkshire – so a solitary card doesn't look out of reach here given there isn't much love lost between these two clubs.
It’s also worth noting that this bet would have paid out in six of the Red Devils’ eight Premier League home wins this season so far, and that only adds to the appeal of supporting the same 4/5 (Bet 365) wager on Wednesday night.
I successfully backed Marcus Rashford to strike against Crystal Palace on Saturday and I make no apology for siding with the same tip when Leeds come to town at a tasty 13/10 (UniBet).
The self-confessed Man United fan has been in scintillating form since returning from the World Cup and he looks a lovely price to extend his current hot-streak in front of goal against a visiting side who are unreliable when it comes to being watertight.
This English Premier League match between Manchester United and Leeds United will be played on Feb 8, 2023 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Manchester United vs Leeds United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
