Manchester United vs Leeds United
It’s love month this February, and Manchester United and Leeds United will face off in not one, but two Roses Derbies before Valentine’s Day.
The Red Devils, who are set to host the first of these two derbies to kick off this weekend’s Premier League action, are in fine form of late as they have now climbed up to third in the table.
Meanwhile, the Whites continue to struggle in the league and desperately need a win to keep themselves out of the relegation zone.
Talking Points
Rashford-led Red Devils on a roll
Manchester United have been in magnificent form since returning from the World Cup break – and, perhaps not coincidentally, since the departure of a certain Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Red Devils have reeled off 11 wins in their last 13 games in all competitions, with their lone defeat coming away to leaders Arsenal.
They are through to the final of the EFL Cup after sweeping aside Nottingham Forest and are coming off a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace in the league, which has seen them overtake Newcastle for third.
United held on for the win despite going down to 10 men after Casemiro was shown a straight red card with 20 minutes to go. That means the Brazilian will be suspended for both Roses derbies.
Marcel Sabitzer, who arrived on transfer deadline day on loan from Bayern Munich, made his debut against Crystal Palace, and he may get his first start for United in Casemiro’s absence.
Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford continues to be in phenomenal form. The England international scored once again against Palace, his 10th goal in the league and 19th in all competitions. Bruno Fernandes has also been brilliant post-break, with 4 goals and 4 assists in his last 10 games in all competitions.
Leeds dangerously close to relegation zone
Leeds United made some big moves during the winter transfer window to help improve their Premier League 2023 odds of survival, but they are yet to see a return on that investment. The Whites’ winless run in the league has now hit seven games after a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest last weekend.
That loss leaves Leeds in 17th place, just goal difference ahead of Everton, who occupy the last relegation spot.
Jesse Marsch handed a debut to Leeds’ latest American recruit, midfielder Weston McKennie, and also brought record signing Georginio Rutter off the bench against the Trees. But issues remain as the Whites were held without a goal for the second straight match.
Leeds were dealt a huge blow with the Premier League 2023 news that leading scorer Rodrigo Moreno will be out for two months with an ankle injury. Second-leading scorer Crysencio Summerville (4 goals) has also missed several weeks with his own ankle knock.
Rodrigo has scored 10 goals this season, and his absence puts the pressure of Rutter and Patrick Bamford to provide the attacking punch for the Whites moving forward.
But after promising substitute outings against Liverpool and Aston Villa as well as a couple of fine performances in the FA Cup against lower-league sides Cardiff City and Accrington Stanley, Bamford still has yet to fully rediscover his best form.
History
The Roses Derby has unsurprisingly been dominated by Manchester United. The Red Devils hold a 49-26 advantage in wins, with 36 draws.
That wins disparity is even more pronounced in the Premier League era, where United have a massive 16-4 edge, with 8 draws.
Man United are still unbeaten against Leeds since the former returned to the Premier League in 2020. The two meetings at Old Trafford have seen plenty of goals; United thrashed Leeds 6-2 in December 2020 and again romped to a 5-1 victory in August 2021.
Bruno Fernandes has scored six goals in four Premier League meetings against Leeds. That includes a hat-trick in last season’s fixture.
Betting Tip
SBOTOP odds have Manchester United installed as 1.47 favourites to win at Old Trafford. Leeds are priced at 6.20, while a draw is 4.40.
Without a doubt, the Whites face an uphill battle at Old Trafford once again. They’ve been on the receiving end of two beatings in the previous two seasons, and now they face an in-form United side that’s won 13 home games in a row in all competitions.
But while recent Roses derbies have resulted in quite a few goals, this one could be different. Despite their fine form, Man United aren’t exactly a free-scoring side. And Leeds will be desperate to avoid another drubbing, so they could play a more defensive style this time around at the Theatre of Dreams.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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