Verdict: Dominic Calvert-Lewin over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Luckster
In a showdown between two historic Premier League rivals on Sunday lunchtime, Manchester United will travel to Elland Road when they meet Leeds.
Leeds
Starting with the hosts, while Leeds might have opened up the 2025/26 campaign widely regarded as a standout contender to make an immediate Championship return, Daniel Farke’s men have shown some major signs of life over the past month. Storming their way out of the drop zone and with the mood around Elland Road at a season-high, the former Norwich boss will be confident of claiming an iconic Premier League scalp this weekend. Set to be backed by a vocal home support in Yorkshire, the Lilywhites clinched a stellar 0-0 stalemate away at reigning champions Liverpool on New Year’s Day. Likewise, last seen at Elland Road storming their way to a remarkable 4-1 romp against Crystal Palace, Leeds are unbeaten in all of their previous six consecutive Premier League appearances.
Leeds Team News
Missing out away at Anfield earlier in the week, Leeds are once again expected to be without defensive star Joe Rodon on Sunday lunchtime. Former Manchester United star Daniel James is still dealing with a hamstring issue and won’t play any part in Yorkshire.
While the red-hot Dominic Calvert-Lewin might have only settled for a spot on the bench away at Liverpool in midweek, the England international will be handed a full recall. Appearing to have cemented his spot as Farke’s number one choice, Brazilian shot-stopper Lucas Perri will start between the sticks here.
Manchester United
As for the visitors, left hugely frustrated earlier in the week as they signed off 2025 with a 1-1 stalemate at home against a Wolves side who find themselves sat rock-bottom of the table, Manchester United have once again shown some real inconstancies. Failing to find a route back into the Champions League spots, there has once again been mounting scrutiny on Ruben Amorim’s shoulders. Last seen on their travels getting hit with a 2-1 loss against Aston Villa, Man United have won just a trio of their previous 10 consecutive Premier League appearances – a run that stems all the way back to the end of October. With their European dreams taking a real blow, the Red Devils should be bracing themselves for another stern examination when they travel to Yorkshire this weekend.
Manchester United Team News
Once again missing out against Wolves earlier in the week, Manchester United are once again sweating over skipper Bruno Fernandes. Likewise, all away at this month’s AFCON, Amorim’s camp will travel to Yorkshire without the likes of Amad Diallo, Noussair Mazraoui and ex-Brentford striker Bryan Mbeumo.
Finding the net in midweek and registering just a second Premier League strike of the season, Joshua Zirkzee will keep his spot from the start. Recently returning from a long-term knee injury, Argentinian international Lisandro Martinez should keep his spot at the back and partner academy graduate Ayden Heaven.
Leeds vs Manchester United Key Factors to Consider
- Leeds have not recorded a single Premier League victory against Manchester United since way back in 2002.
- The Red Devils have won just a trio of their previous 10 consecutive Premier League appearances.
- Leeds are unbeaten in all of their previous six consecutive top-flight showdowns.
- Man United have recorded just a single clean sheet from any of their previous 12 Premier League appearances.
- England international Dominic Calvert-Lewin has recorded seven goals in as many Premier League outings.
Conclusion
Securing a stellar 0-0 stalemate away at defending champions Liverpool on New Year’s Day as they opened 2026 with another gritty display, Leeds will be confident of claiming a heavyweight Premier League scalp here. Relishing the arrival of their historic rivals this weekend, Farke’s men are unbeaten in all of their previous six consecutive top-flight appearances and they have skyrocketed themselves away from the drop zone. Likewise, last seen at Elland Road storming their way to an empathic 4-1 romp against Crystal Palace, Sunday’s hosts should be smelling a real opportunity when they return to Yorkshire.
Verdict: Dominic Calvert-Lewin over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Luckster
