Manchester United manager Michael Carrick. Action Images via Reuters Manchester United and Leeds United, two historic rivals with plenty left to play for down the stretch, will meet in the Premier League’s lone clash on Monday afternoon.
The Red Devils come into the match in third place with 55 points, but they still need to collect a few more to secure a spot in the Champions League next season.
The stakes are even higher for Leeds. The Peacocks are on 33 points, just three above Tottenham in the relegation battle. Getting a result at Old Trafford on Monday would be a massive boost for Leeds.
Manchester United has stabilized under the stewardship of interim manager Michael Carrick. Although he hasn’t officially been made the permanent boss at his former club, Carrick has done just about everything the club has hoped for in his 10 matches in charge.
Not only is United 7-2-1 (W-D-L) under Carrick, but their defensive numbers have been superb. The Red Devils have only surrendered 11 goals since the coaching change, and only Arsenal and Brighton have conceded fewer expected goals than United.
Leeds also carries some strong defensive form into this tilts, allowing just three goals over its last five matches, and posting consecutive clean sheets in its last two contests.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin celebrating a goal for Leeds United. AFP via Getty Images Get the lowdown on the Best USA Sports Betting Sites and Apps Check out the best sports betting sites and apps The downside is that Leeds can’t score. Like at all.
The Peacocks have not found the back of the net in their last four Premier League matches, and have scored just one goal since Feb. 21.
Perhaps Daniel Farke has decided, like many managers before him, that the best path to surviving relegation is by being hard to beat, but it’s not going to be a comfortable ride if Leeds doesn’t find its scoring boots soon.
That will be easier said than done on Monday, as United should control this match, forcing Leeds into a defensive shell as they try to grind out a result on the road against a superior opponent.
This one could be a snoozer, and that would be quite alright with Leeds.
The Play: Under 2.5 goals (+116, FanDuel)
Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.
