Lewis Jones predicts Leeds United clash v Manchester United
Leeds United are tipped by Sky Sports’ betting expert Lewis Jones to share the spoils in a 1-1 draw against Manchester United in their first game of the new season.
The Whites begin their campaign with a tricky away fixture against their age-old rivals.
Last season, they ended up losing this game by a 6-2 scoreline and it could be playing in the minds of some of their players.
In his column for Sky Sports, Jones made a reference to that fixture, but does not expect Man United to win this time around.
He wrote, “This game should mirror the second meeting between these teams last season that ended 0-0, rather than the madness of the first that Man Utd won 6-2. I think Marcelo Bielsa will be here for a clean sheet.
“Leeds became reformed characters towards the end of the season, switching their style of play to a more conservative-type pressing game that allowed their defence more protection.
“In the last 15 games of last season, Leeds only conceded 12 goals – the second-best defensive record in the league for that period.”
Fair prediction
Man United have been all over the place this pre season and they’re missing key players for this game.
While Raphael Varane is yet to kick a ball for them, his absence benefits us a great deal as the likes of Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo can run rings around Victor Lindelof and beat him for pace and aerial prowess.
They’re also missing Marcus Rashford and Edinson Cavani so one of Anthony Martial and Daniel James are expected to start, weakening their attack considerably.
Hopefully, we can press them up high up the pitch from minute one and look to control possession.
Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer they’ve been happy to play on the counter, but given it’s Old Trafford, Leeds United and the first day of the season, they may attack more which would make them vulnerable if we can hit them on the transition.
We’re in for a fascinating encounter and cannot wait for the action to unfold.
In other Leeds United news, Whites bid to make new first-team signing hits the skids over financial issue – report