*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at time of publication but subject to change
Marcelo Bielsa returns on Sunday to the scene of one of his greatest ever triumphs when his Athletic Bilbao side dominated Manchester United at Old Trafford eight years ago.
An Ander Herrera inspired Bilbao won 3-2 in Manchester and 5-3 on aggregate on their way to a Europa League final where they were defeated by an Atletico Madrid team on the rise under Diego Simeone.
Much has changed at Manchester United since Sir Alex Ferguson’s team were defeated in such thrilling fashion but Bielsa’s style of football remains the same and his Leeds team have been a joy to watch for the neutral this season.
Leeds’ first league meeting with their hated rivals since 2004 was always going to be a much anticipated fixture but given both team’s styles of play, an end-to-end goalfest seems likely and if you can only watch one Premier League match this weekend, make sure it’s this one.
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Man Utd to win
Leeds will play their traditional high-pressing style, commit numbers forward and leave themselves vulnerable to a team that are at their best on the counter attack playing with space in front of them.
However, Leeds will look to exploit a United midfield and defence that can struggle playing against an organised high press like we saw when Arsenal were dominant in a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford at the start of November.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s favoured duo at the base of midfield this season has been Fred and Scott McTominay, but neither have the class on the ball to get out of tight areas and pass progressively so Leeds should be stifle United’s flow by pressuring both players.
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Over 3.5 goals
This game sets up as one where Leeds control possession, win the XG battle but then a few moments of individual quality from Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes scupper them on the counter attack in a high scoring game. It would be far from the first time this season that Rashford and Fernandes has papered over the gaping cracks that exist in United’s midfield and defence.
Patrick Bamford to have 2+ shots on target
As discussed above, I would expect Leeds to dominate this match for large spells and Patrick Bamford should get a few opportunities to add to his 9 league goals. Bamford is tied with Harry Kane in having the most shots per game on any player in the Premier League and I would expect that trend to continue on Sunday
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Harry Maguire to score anytime
One area where United can punish Leeds is at set pieces. No team in the Premier League has conceded more from set plays than Bielsa’s team and thus this presents a big opportunity for Harry Maguire to capitalise at a decent price.
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at time of publication but subject to change
Manchester United v Leeds United bet summary – Sunday, December 20
Man Utd to win
Over 3.5 goals
Patrick Bamford to have 2+ shots on target
Harry Maguire to score anytime
These four selections combine for a price of around 54/1. Just click on the below widget to bet – easy!
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