Manchester United vs Leeds United Preview – Prediction, how to watch & potential line-ups

The latest instalment of one of the fiercest rivalries in English football pits Manchester United and Leeds United against each other on Wednesday night. 

Seeking a landmark 50th derby win over the Whites, the Red Devils will be without the suspended midfield dynamo Casemiro, who picked up a straight red in last Saturday’s 2-1 home win over Crystal Palace. 

Casemiro’s absence is potentially an ominous sign for Erik ten Hag’s side, as they’ve suffered three defeats in four matches in all competition without the Brazilian in the line-up. 

But playing at Old Trafford may undo the former Real Madrid man’s suspension, with Man United winning their last 13 competitive home outings, including six in the Premier League. 

Such an outstanding home form has helped United consolidate their position in a keenly-contested top-four race, firing them three points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur. 

While the hosts fight tooth and nail to secure Champions League football, visiting Leeds remain embroiled in a feisty relegation scrap on the back of seven straight league games without winning (D3, L4). 

A disappointing 1-0 loss at fellow relegation rivals Nottingham Forest at the weekend proved the end of the road for underperforming manager Jesse Marsch. 

Leeds fans serenaded the American boss through the City Ground exit door with a chant of ‘Jesse, time to go’ before the Elland Road chiefs relieved him of his duties on Monday. 

Match Preview

Manchester United

In addition to boasting their best winning streak at home since 2011, Man United have lost just one of their last 17 meetings with Leeds in the Premier League (W11, D5), going down 1-0 on the road in 2002. 

The continuation of United’s outrageous home form looks inevitable, considering they’ve not lost any of their last 17 league duels against the Whites at Old Trafford (W11, D6). 

On top of their remarkable home record against Leeds, only Manchester City (16) have netted more league goals against the Whites than Man United (15) since the visitors’ top-flight return in 2020.

Leeds United

After managing just two wins in their last 17 Premier League outings (D5, L10), it’s no wonder Leeds pulled the trigger on Marsch, but it’ll likely only lower their spirits ahead of this trip. 

There’s another reason for frustration, given that they’ve picked just one point in their eight league games against sides starting the day in the top three since the start of last season (D1, L7).

Leeds’ best chance of defying that underwhelming run is Wilfried Gnonto, the quicksilver winger, who has created more goalscoring opportunities (13) than any other Whites player this term.

Manchester United vs Leeds United Potential Line-ups

Manchester United (4-2-3-1): David de Gea; Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw; Marcel Sabitzer, Fred; Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford; Wout Weghorst. 

Leeds United (4-2-3-1): Illan Meslier; Luke Ayling, Robin Koch, Liam Cooper, Maximilian Wober; Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie; Luis Sinisterra, Brenden Aaronson, Wilfried Gnonto; Georginio Rutter. 

How to Watch?

Manchester United vs Leeds United, alongside all other fixtures in England’s top flight, is available to watch online via live Premier League streams.

Manchester United vs Leeds United Prediction 

Man United are currently miles ahead of Leeds in terms of form and mental state, so we expect the hosts to stroll to another routine three points.

Manchester United 3-1 Leeds United