Leeds United vs. Manchester United: English Premier League Soccer Odds
There have been many English Premier League storylines this week, but the narrative involving Leeds United is the biggest.
Leeds fired American coach Jesse Marsch on Feb. 6, and Chris Armas will take over as the interim head coach versus the blazing-hot Red Devils from Manchester United. Armas used to work as an assistant coach for Erik ten Hag at Man United, so if anyone knows this team, it’s someone who used to coach them.
The U.S. Men’s National Team wants Leeds United to do well, as two-thirds of their starting midfield plays there. If you watched the USMNT play in the World Cup, you could be a fan of Leeds as well.
Leeds United has slowly become America’s team with many Americans playing for it, even if Jesse Marsch is not there to lead them. Recently transferred U.S. star Weston McKennie made his debut in the last match but failed to start. This game could be his first start for Leeds.
Under ten Hag, Manchester United has found its stride this season. United lets the defensive pressure build up and then pounces on the counterattack with pacey players like Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial. With this talented squad and ten Hag at the helm, the Red Devils are on track despite recent struggles.
On the other side, Leeds plays with an aggressive press style when recovering the ball. This tactic should stay true as Armas will not have time to incorporate a new strategy quickly. Leeds will play how they know how to, which was a two-pivot system under Marsch. McKennie had an awful debut for Leeds, where nearly all his passes were intercepted, so he’ll need to play better for his team to have a chance.
Leeds vs. Manchester Analysis
These two teams have a history of bad blood with a rivalry dating to 1923. Nicknamed the “Roses Rivalry,” these teams have had many fights on and off the field. However, Leeds United has not been in the Premier League recently, so the rivalry is less intense than it used to be.
Casemiro will be unavailable for Manchester United due to his suspension for a red card against Crystal Palace on Saturday. His presence will be missed, but watch for his backups to make Leeds uncomfortable in their buildup play.
Leeds United is coming off a 1-0 loss in the English Premier League versus Nottingham Forest. Leeds looked disorganized and never found its footing, while McKennie’s poor debut didn’t help. Bouncing back against Manchester United will be challenging, especially with the latter coming off a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace.
Betting Prediction
Wednesday’s match will be the first time these two teams play each other in the Premier League this season. It’s also the front end of a doubleheader, as they’re scheduled to meet again on Sunday. Both sides will be feeling each other out.
Expect Manchester United to be the primary possession holder, while Leeds United will try to break on the counterattack and play directly through the middle. Whoever replaces Rodrigo for Leeds will try to make up his production of 0.69 goals every 90 minutes. His loss is a huge hole and was especially glaring against Nottingham Forest.
Manchester United will score as they have all season, especially since Leeds’ CB pairing is one of the worst in the league. Look for the Red Devils to take care of business and win by multiple goals here.
Prediction: Leeds United 0 – Manchester United 2
Betting Matchup Preview
Game Details
- Who: Leeds United vs. Manchester United
- When: Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023
- Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
- Where: Old Trafford (Manchester, England)
Betting Odds Summary
- Match Result: Leeds +525, Tie +360, Manchester -210
- Both Teams to Score: Yes -135, No +100
- Total: Over/Under 2.5 Goals in Regular Time (-175/+125)
Player Props: Anytime Goalscorer
- Marcus Rashford: +100
- Anthony Martial: +115
- Bruno Fernandes: +210
- Jack Harrison: +500
- Weston McKennie: +900
Player Prop Bets: Leeds United vs. Manchester United
Marcus Rashford (+100 to score) is a playable prop bet, as he has shown what it takes to score since the end of the World Cup with 10 goals in league play. Rashford is a pacey winger and could quickly get open on a Manchester United counterattack.
Weston McKennie (+900) is a friendly longshot bet to score. Almost everyone in the U.S. watching this match will be waiting for him to find the net. McKennie was aggressive in passing last game, so look for him to try to get on the scoresheet this time.
Best Bets: Leeds United vs. Manchester United
- Match Result: Leeds United +525, Tie +360, Manchester United -210
This game could finish as a comfortable Manchester United win. This matchup comes at the worst time for Leeds United, right after firing their coach. The best bet is Manchester United (-210), as they’ve only lost once in their last 17 matches versus Leeds.
- Both Teams to Score: Yes -135, No +100
Manchester United will be the dominant team, and Leeds United will have a hard time replacing Rodrigo’s production. These offensive woes won’t go away with a new coach at the helm for Leeds. Bet on “No” (+100) for this match.
