Manchester United back for early kick-off clash against Leeds.
Leeds United vs. Manchester United kicks off at 12:30 [GMT] on Sunday, January 4, at Elland Road.
Leeds United [DDWDD] and Manchester United renew their long-standing rivalry at Elland Road in a Premier League fixture that has historically favoured the visitors. Leeds have managed just one win in their last 19 league meetings with Manchester United, drawing six and losing 12. Leeds have been consistently productive in front of their own supporters. They have failed to score in just one of their last 17 Premier League home games, that being a 0-0 draw with Newcastle in August. More impressively, Leeds have scored at least three goals in each of their last three league matches at Elland Road. The last time they managed such a longer run in the top flight was between October and December 1993, when they scored three or more goals in five consecutive home games. On an individual level, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been particularly effective at Elland Road, scoring in each of his last three Premier League home appearances. He has never scored in four consecutive home league games, while the last Leeds player to achieve that feat was Mark Viduka in April 2004. A 3—5—2 formation with Noah Okafor and Dominic Calvert-Lewin in attack is expected against the Red Devils.
Manchester United’s trips to Elland Road have rarely been straightforward. While the Red Devils [WDLWD] have won their last two away league games against Leeds, they have never previously won three consecutive league visits to this ground. The fixture also carries historical significance, as Manchester United have never beaten Leeds when facing them in their first league game of a calendar year. Previous New Year meetings have ended in draws in 1931, 1958 and 1994, alongside a 2-1 defeat in 1969. Manchester United’s broader record against promoted sides is notably strong. They are unbeaten in their last 25 Premier League matches against newly promoted teams, winning 22 and drawing three since a 4-1 defeat away to Watford in November 2021. Indeed, Manchester United’s league campaign this season has been characterised by dropped points from winning positions. They have drawn six Premier League matches, opening the scoring in every one. Overall, they have already dropped 12 points from winning positions, surpassing the total they dropped across the entirety of last season. Their defensive record under pressure is further underlined by the fact that they have conceded more equalizers than any other side in the league, with opponents levelling the score on 12 occasions so far. A 4—2—3—1 formation with Benjamin Sesko in attack may be seen.