Game Week 20 Predictions: Manchester United to edge Leeds at Elland Road

Premier League preview: Leeds vs Man Utd at Elland Road – Leeds eye 10-pt safety, United chase top-4; Calvert-Lewin threat; verdict Man Utd win.

This will be a tale of two attackers: Dominic Calvert-Lewin or Matheus Cunha? Leeds United or Manchester United? (Photo credit: Opta)

 Leeds vs Manchester United

Elland Road

1:30pm

It’s a new year of great possibilities for Leeds United and everyone at Elland Road. Just recently, they were deep down in the relegation zone, but today, they’re looking safe and bouncing.

When Daniel Farke released the teamsheet for their first game of the year at Anfield, one could argue it felt like he threw the game. The German tactician rested top players like Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who had scored in his previous six consecutive games, but boy, didn’t it work out?

Manchester United failed to beat Wolves at Old Trafford. It was a game the Red Devils could have lost, as the bottom club took the battle to them. The dropped points against Wolves destroyed all the good work the Red Devils did against Newcastle in their penultimate game.

It’s tough to understand how Manchester United works. The manager has finally conceded that his style of play might not be ideal for the materials he has; however, is it too late for him to adapt? How confusing have they been when they set up in games?

Patrick Dorgu was shifted upfront, and the Dane has been impressive, but what would Ruben Amorim do when Amad Diallo returns from AFCON and Bruno Fernandes returns from injury? How do they play so well in one game and act like they don’t understand the game in another?

Saturday results roundly went the way of Leeds United. Aston Villa beat Nottingham Forest 3-1 at Villa Park, and Wolves hammered West Ham 3-0 at the Molineux, leaving Leeds United seven points above the drop zone, having played a game less.

There’s a giant incentive for Daniel Farke and Leeds United against Manchester United. You have that sense that Farke had his eyes on this game when he decided his team sheet against Liverpool. A win for them over the Red Devils hands them a ten-point cushion over the drop zone; this will be massive.

For Manchester United, they have lost too many opportunities to leap into the top four. They have another chance this weekend, as a win here takes them to 33 points; should Liverpool and Chelsea lose, it might be another chance for Manchester United to hit the top four.

Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko are yet to hit the heights people expect of them, and this is a good time for them to step up. In the absence of Bruno Fernandes, United would look to Mason Mount; however, their inconsistent defence must find ways to stop Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Verdict: Manchester United to win