Leeds United are facing fierce rivals Manchester United on Sunday (2pm), in front of a packed out Elland Road crowd.
This fixture has not been viewed at Elland Road in the Premier League by fans since 2003, with the 0-0 draw last season being played behind-closed-doors. This time around, a sell-out crowd will be watching on.
Leeds go into the match on the back of defeat away at Everton, so will be looking to return to winning ways. The turn of the year into 2022 saw Marcelo Bielsa’s side win their opening two league fixtures, before a thrilling draw away at Aston Villa came in the middle of two defeats.
For Manchester United, they have continued to show indifferent form of late with three draws and three wins in their last six games. They haven’t struggled to find the net in recent times, with a record of 14 away games on the trot where they have scored, the only team in the Premier League to have scored in every match up to now.
A key player to stop will be Bruno Fernandes. The midfielder has five goals and one assist to his name in three matches against the Whites, including a hat-trick on the opening day of the season.
For Leeds, Raphinha is still top of the scoring charts with eight, but the Brazilian has seen fellow wingers Dan James and Jack Harrison edging closer towards him after impressive recent form.
Both teams come into the match battling for position in the table, in different areas. A win for Leeds could see them move up to 14th spot and above Brentford in the standings following Saturday’s results.
New coach Ralf Rangnick is aiming to take his side into the Champions League for next season and they currently hold that all important fourth spot, just a point ahead of both West Ham and Arsenal. A win could see them extend that gap, and also close one to Chelsea above them.
Sunday’s fixture will be the 26th of the season for Manchester United, whilst Bielsa’s Whites have only played 23 up to now.
The match has been selected for television coverage on Sky Sports. There will be full updates on the game right here on leedsunited.com and subscribers can also listen live to full commentary from Elland Road, on LUTV.
Manager/head coach:
Leeds: Marcelo Bielsa
Man Utd: Ralf Rangnick
What Marcelo Bielsa said, ahead of the match?
“A classic game is always a challenge that is very motivating. It’s not about what I would like but it’s what the fans give, always. They always support the team unconditionally. It’s difficult to imagine a support bigger than the one we’ve already received. The presence of a classic opponent increases the enthusiasm and it will be precious to be able to witness it.”
League position
Leeds: 15th
Man Utd: 4th
Premier League form
Leeds: WWLDL
Man Utd: WWDDW
Top scorer
Leeds: Raphinha (8)
Man Utd:
Head to head
Leeds: 26
Draws: 36
Man Utd: 48
A memorable moment against Manchester United…
Team news
Marcelo Bielsa has stated that Kalvin Phillips and Liam Cooper are continuing in the process of their recovery, along with Patrick Bamford. Leo Hjelde is a fresh injury for the Whites, whilst Stuart Dallas is hopeful of recovering from a knock at Everton in time for Sunday’s match.
For the visitors, Edison Cavani is still missing from the side with a slight injury and so is goalkeeper, Tom Heaton. A bonus for the visitors could see the return of Nemanja Matic, Eric Bailly and Raphael Varane.
Officials
Referee - Paul Tierney
Assistant Referee - Lee Betts
Assistant Referee - Neil Davies
Fourth Official - Mike Dean
Video Assistant Referee - Chris Kavanagh
A key battle
Dan James vs Jadon sancho
Take a look at some key stats from two wingers who could be up against one another on Sunday afternoon, and see how their compare against one another so far this season.
Latest odds
Leeds: 10/3
Draw: 3/1
Man Utd: 8/11
How to watch
The match has been selected for television broadcast coverage within the UK on Sky Sports. Live commentary is available as always on LUTV, with up to date blog updates on leedsunited.com.
Supporter information
Please read this important information ahead of the game.
