Sports Innovation previews the 2021/2022 Premier League Round 1 match between Manchester United and Leeds and offers team news, key stats and betting tips with the latest odds.
A cracking opening day fixture between two old rivals awaits at Old Trafford as Manchester United host Leeds. Marcelo Bielsa’s offensive style of play should suit the Red Devils. But as football has proven so many times, nothing is ever set in stone.
After finishing second in the Premier League last season, United hope to go one better in 2021/22. To do so, however, a strong start is needed, and what better way to do it than by beating Leeds? It would be a real statement of intent. But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side will be without several key players for this match, including summer signing Raphael Varane.
Leeds, on the other hand, finished a respectable ninth after a 16-year exile from the Premier League season. The Whites have strengthened over the summer by signing Junior Firpo, Jack Harrison, and Kristoffer Klaesson. They hope the €29.8 million invested so far will help propel them further up the league table this season.
Let’s have a look at the form of both sides and the stats from their previous encounters to come up with a reasonable betting prediction.
Can the Red Devils start off on the right foot at home?
Manchester United ended pre-season in style by thrashing Everton 4-0 last weekend. It was their second win in four friendlies, having lost 4-2 to Queens Park Rangers and drawn 2-2 with Brentford.
Based on last season’s standings, United had the sixth-best home record in the Premier League. The Red Devils recorded 31 points from 19 games but lost two of their last three outings.
Whites look to start the season in style
Similar to last term, Leeds have endured another torrid pre-season. Marcelo Bielsa’s men won just one of their six friendlies and have suffered three consecutive defeats, including a 4-0 thrashing from Ajax. They did recover, though, to hold Europa League winners Villarreal to a 2-2 draw last weekend.
That horrible 6-2 defeat in their last trip to Old Trafford will no doubt play on their minds. Leeds are somewhat of a 50/50 bet for away games due to their attacking philosophy. Based on last season’s standings, they won 10 and lost nine of their 19 matches on the road.
Manchester United vs Leeds h2h
Home side hold the advantage
Neither Manchester United nor Leeds managed a breakthrough when they last faced each other in the Premier League. They ended up settling for a point in a 0-0 draw at Elland Road. The Red Devils, however, have been slightly more successful than their opponents in recent league meetings. With a 5-4-1 advantage going into this match, betting on a home win has often proved the profitable way to go.
Stats and facts for Manchester United and Leeds.
Facts are calculated for Premier League
- Manchester United did not win the last 3 matches in a row at home;
- Total goals was OVER 2.5 in Manchester United’s last 7 of 9 matches;
- Manchester United scored the last 13 matches in a row at home;
- Manchester United conceded the last 5 matches in a row.
- Leeds has won the last 4 matches in a row;
- Leeds has won in the last 4 of 5 matches;
- Leeds has won in the last 4 of 5 matches when playing away;
- Leeds scored in the last 8 of 10 matches.
According to the bookies, Manchester United are the favorites to win. The best price you will find on a home win is 1.61 as bookies predict The Red Devils have a 62% chance of beating Leeds. If you wish to bet the draw, there are odds at 3.95 on offer, while an away win for Leeds pays out at 5.25.
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