Prediction: Manchester United vs Leeds

Verdict: Manchester United win

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Unibet

Two sides who find themselves battling it out at opposite ends of the Premier League table, Manchester United will welcome Leeds to Old Trafford on Wednesday night.

Manchester United

Starting with the hosts, while Manchester United might have been left heartbroken after their 3-2 loss away at Arsenal last month, Erik ten Hag’s men have come roaring back in some style. Last seen over the weekend claiming a 2-1 victory at home against Crystal Palace, the mood around Old Trafford appears to be at a red-hot high. Although the Premier League giants might need a minor miracle if they’re to mount a genuine shock title charge in 2023, the former Ajax boss finds his side cruising towards a top-four return. Likewise, along with winning each of their last four domestic matchups on the bounce, United have also suffered just a single defeat across all formats since way back on November 6th. Booking their spot in the final of this season’s EFL Cup last week following a 5-0 aggregate romp against Nottingham Forest, ten Hag’s side should be smelling the chance to lay down another marker on Wednesday night.

Team News

Shown a straight red card against Crystal Palace last weekend, Manchester United will be without midfield talisman Casemiro on Wednesday night. Likewise, ten Hag’s side are also sweating over the fitness of Scott McTominay.

United have already confirmed that the likes of Anthony Martial, Donny van de Beek and Christian Eriksen will once again miss out here.

Leeds

As for the visitors, last seen over the weekend getting hit with a 1-0 loss away at Nottingham Forest, that result was enough to cost Jesse Marsch his job at Elland Road. Parting ways with the former RB Leipzig boss after less than a year in charge, the Yorkshire-based outfit find themselves at the heart of a relegation scrap in 2023. While Wednesday’s guests might have just about clung to their Premier League status last season, the Whites are without a win from their previous seven top-flight outings. Showing a string of issues since returning from the World Cup’s winter break, Leeds will be more than aware that they face a huge challenge at Old Trafford in midweek. In fact, the Premier League strugglers have won just a pair of their last 17 straight top-tier battles – a run that stems all the way back to August 21st. Hit with a 4-2 loss when they faced off against United 12 months ago, Leeds are rightfully tipped as a landslide underdog here.

Team News

Leeds have confirmed that they will travel to Old Trafford in midweek without the likes of Archie Gray, Rodrigo, Stuart Dallas, Sonny Perkins and Adam Forshaw.

However, Leeds will welcome back Robin Koch on Wednesday night after the 26-year-old served a suspension. Juventus loanee Weston McKennie could make a full debut.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last met at Elland Road 12 months ago, Manchester United claimed an action-packed 4-2 victory.
• Likewise, Wednesday’s hosts are unbeaten in each of their last six meetings against Leeds.
• Manchester United have suffered just a single domestic defeat across all formats since back on November 6th.
• Leeds have won just a pair of their last 17 Premier League matchups – a run that stems all the way back to August 21st.
• Ten Hag’s side have won each of their last 13 straight contests at Old Trafford.

Conclusion

Only continuing on what has been a remarkable flurry since returning from the World Cup break, Manchester United should be smelling the chance to lay down another marker on Wednesday night. Winning each of their last 13 straight showdowns at Old Trafford and clearly flying high under ten Hag, the Premier League giants are cruising towards a much-welcomed Champions League return in 2023. With Leeds now on the lookout for a new permanent boss after sacking Marsch following last weekend’s 1-0 loss away at Nottingham Forest, the Yorkshire-based outfit are enduring a public top-flight struggle. Mustering just a pair of Premier League victories from their previous 17 attempts, Wednesday’s guests face a huge challenge here.

Verdict: Manchester United win

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Unibet