Man Utd vs. Leeds Betting Tips: 40/1 Bet Builder for Wednesday's Premier League clash
Man Utd and Leeds do battle at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Wednesday 8th February.
A win for the hosts will draw them level on points with rivals Man City, while Leeds take to the field for the first time since sacking Jesse Marsch.
JimmyThePunt has previewed the match and picked out his two best bets.
The consensus I get from Old Trafford is that it was typical of rivals Leeds to relieve Jesse March of his duties on the cusp of the clubs' two back-to-back clashes.
The impact of his dismissal - positive or negative - is difficult to decipher though.
One man that was certainly happy with the American’s untimely departure was Mateusz Klich. The Polish midfielder liked the official Instagram post announcing the news and watching the emotional nature of his departure, he may feel he was prematurely forced out of Elland Road.
With such a large contingency of imports from across the pond will the sacking have the desired effect though?
Leeds’ form certainly cannot get any worse. Winless in seven, only Southampton and Bournemouth have taken fewer Premier League points over that period.
The underlying data suggests the Whites have been unfortunate recently, winning the xG battle in each of their last four games taking just two points over that period.
Watching their most recent defeat, they should not have left the City ground empty-handed. However, Marsch built his side to be most effective without the ball, particularly in transition, so it’s almost as if they were built to spring into life when they went a goal down.
With them currently sitting three points off the foot of the table and outside the relegation zone on goal difference, one thing is for sure, an instant impact is needed.
The timing of the change does make this match up a difficult betting proposition, particularly as this is a match laced with hatred.
The hosts have been in formidable form recently.
The news about the investigation into their Manchester rivals, combined with Liverpool’s decline, seems significant.
Perhaps it is a sliding doors moment as it spells the end for the two clubs that have dominated English football, the chance for the Red Devils to return to their former glory seems better then ever.
In terms of team news, lynchpin Casemiro is suspended and this should see Marcel Sabitzer make his debut. Elsewhere Scott McTominay, Antony Martial and Antony are also unavailable.
Man Utd vs Leeds Tips
A Marcus Rashford goal seems inevitable at the moment. Regardless of whether he has overslept and starts on the bench or not.
He has 22 goals to his name in 37 appearances for club and country but has really upped the ante since returning from Qatar.
He has found the net 11 times in the 13 games for Man Utd since, bagging eight times in seven games on the spin.
The frontman will be licking his lips at the prospect of facing a side that has shipped 34 domestic goals this season.
Leeds have only kept one clean sheet away from home all season, and that came against Newcastle in a game the town generated an xG of 2.85.
I had a decent winner pulling a decent threat at the weekend so, foolishly, I am thinking it will be worth another punt, obviously contradicting the first angle.
Just given Leeds' predicament in terms of the league table, their managerial situation, and the absence of Casemiro for the hosts, it may swing the odds in the favour of the away side, especially with the rivalry.
And if, big if, the away side do go ahead, the circumstances will suit a Illan Meslier card.
The French shot-stopper is not formidable for shit-housery, however, and with relegation looming large, a bit of gamesmanship certainly would not go amiss here.
Do not tell anyone, but adding over 0 cards increases the odds so it is a leg worth including in the bet builder.
Best of luck if you are backing any of these selections and please remember to gamble responsibly.