Premier League: Red Devils can claim points and bragging rights at Elland Road

Leeds and Manchester United renew hostilities on Sunday in the Premier League at Elland Road in what is expected to be another fiery encounter between the two rivals.

Man Utd moved into the top four in midweek thanks to a precious victory over Brighton at Old Trafford, while Leeds are doing just about enough to keep themselves clear of the worst of the relegation battle.

Given the respective league positions of the clubs, Man Utd are unsurprisingly 1.95 favourites, with Leeds 4.20 to cause an upset. The draw is on offer a 4.00.

Leeds’ elite struggles

Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa comes into this match a man under pressure. A long-time favourite of the Elland Road support, a run of six defeats in nine games has left the West Yorkshire side under pressure. The latest of these came via a comprehensive 3-0 loss against Everton last weekend.

Bielsa has a poor record this season against the Premier League’s leading clubs. Against the traditional Big 6 this term, Leeds have lost all of their six matches, including four by a margin of at least three goals.

On the opening day of the season, Leeds were the victims of a 5-1 loss at Old Trafford, while they also lost 6-2 to their great rivals in December 2020. Perhaps the only crumb of comfort they can take before this game is the 0-0 draw they played out with United last April at home.

Pogba shone against Leeds at the start of the season

Steady, steady Man Utd

Manchester United are not a team in great form, either, but at least they are steady. Their midweek win over Brighton broke a run of three matches without a win and ended Cristiano Ronaldo’s longest goalless run since 2009 – it lasted six games.

Under interim boss Ralf Rangnick, they have often struggled to score goals or provide much in the way of excitement. The German has a 50% win ratio in the 14 games he has overseen, but only three of these have provided more than two goals.

Paul Pogba’s return from injury should hearten them. The French midfielder has a goal and an assist in three Premier League matches since coming back from a lengthy layoff – and he provided four assists on the opening day of the season when these sides last met.

Man Utd to win again

Based upon Leeds’ struggles against elite clubs this season and Man Utd’s steady but unspectacular form, the visiting side appear to be reasonably priced to get the win in this fixture.

Betting on goals could be a lottery. Leeds are very open, with eight of their last nine game providing more than two goals, but as demonstrated, Man Utd are the very opposite.

Meanwhile, Pogba to score anytime at 4.9 is attractive. He has come back from injury in bright form and after being benched in midweek must surely start. Expect fireworks from the French playmaker in the type of heated atmosphere that he typically thrives in.

Recommended bets:

Manchester United to win @ 1.95

Anytime Goalscorer: Paul Pogba @ 4.9