Verdict: Bruno Fernandes to score anytime
Best Odds: 21/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
In what is a showdown between two historic rivals on Monday night, Manchester United will welcome Leeds to Old Trafford.
Manchester United
Starting with the hosts, while many might have been shocked back in January following Michael Carrick’s return to the Old Trafford dugout on a temporary basis, Manchester United are clearly relishing life under the former Middlesbrough boss. Despite heading into March’s international break with a lively 2-2 stalemate away at Bournemouth, the Red Devils have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous 10 consecutive Premier League appearances since Carrick’s appointment. Skyrocketing up the table, Man United are now sat in bronze medal position and firmly in the driving seat to book a lucrative Champions League return. With the mood around Old Trafford at a notable high, Monday’s hosts will be looking to make a statement against their historic foes here.
Manchester United Team News
Both still dealing with respective injury issues, Manchester United will once again be without the duo of Patrick Dorgu and former Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt. Shown a second-half red card against Bournemouth prior to March’s international break, England international Harry Maguire will miss out through suspension.
Enjoying what has been a sensational run at Old Trafford and registering 24 direct goal contributions in his 28 Premier League appearances this season (eight goals, 16 assists), talismanic skipper Bruno Fernandes will play a leading role.
Leeds United
As for the visitors, eventually booking their FA Cup semi-final ticket last weekend as they edged past West Ham following a nail-biting penalty shootout victory in east London, Leeds will now be searching for some crucial Premier League stability. Heading into March’s international break with consecutive 0-0 stalemates against Brentford and Crystal Palace, Daniel Farke’s side remain at the heart of a top-flight relegation scrap. In fact, despite their FA Cup success this year, Leeds have failed to win any of their last six straight Premier League appearances and they travel to Old Trafford pencilled in as a real underdog contender. Likewise, Farke’s men have registered just 10 points from any of their 15 top-flight showdowns away from Elland Road so far this season.
Leeds United Team News
While Leeds might have punched their FA Cup semi-final spot last week, Farke’s side have been hit with some real injury frustration. The former Norwich boss has confirmed that the trio of Daniel James, Jaka Bijol and Wales international Joe Rodon will miss out on Monday night after suffering respective knocks in east London.
Coming off the bench and bagging an FA Cup strike against West Ham last week, former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be handed a full recall. Veteran goalkeeper Karl Darlow should return between the sticks at Old Trafford.
Manchester United vs Leeds United Key Factors to Consider
- When Manchester United and Leeds met for their reverse Premier League showdown on January 4th, Monday’s opponents played out a 1-1 stalemate at Elland Road.
- Man United have lost just one of their 10 Premier League appearances since Carrick’s Old Trafford return back in January.
- Leeds have failed to win any of their previous six consecutive Premier League appearances (two defeats, four draws).
- The Lilywhites have registered just 10 points from any of their 15 top-flight showdowns away from Elland Road so far this season.
- United skipper Bruno Fernandes has registered 24 direct goal contributions in his 28 Premier League appearances this season (eight goals, 16 assists).
Conclusion
Embarking on what has been a sensational run of form since Carrick’s Old Trafford return back in January, Manchester United will simply be looking to carry on from where they left off prior to March’s international break. Sat in the driving seat to punch a lucrative Champions League return, Monday’s hosts will be looking to make a statement against their historic foes here. Although Leeds might have extended on their FA Cup adventure last week as they secured a famous trip to Wembley, Farke’s relegation scrappers have a real job on their hands when they travel to Manchester.
Verdict: Bruno Fernandes to score anytime
Best Odds: 21/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
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