Leeds United have a massive game on the horizon, with Daniel Farke’s men travelling to Old Trafford on Monday night to face Manchester United.
With West Ham comfortably beating Wolves on Friday night, the pressure has been ramped up on Leeds, with the gap between themselves and 18th-placed Tottenham being just three points.
Both Spurs and Nottingham Forest play before Leeds in this Premier League gameweek, meaning the relegation battle could be completley turned on its head by the time the travelling United supporters end up in Manchester.
One former Chelsea player has had his say on the upcoming clash between the two rivals and also went on to explain why he is “worried” for Farke ahead of the showdown.
Chris Sutton predicts Leeds United will lose against Manchester United
When doing his prediction column for BBC Sport, Sutton expects Leeds’ wait for a win at Old Trafford to go on, with the Whites’ last win in the league there coming all the way back in 1981.
Ahead of the game, Sutton had this to say about Farke, “I love the job Daniel Farke has done at Leeds United, and it’s great to see them at Wembley for the FA Cup semi-final, but the worry is that they picked up a few injuries in their win over West Ham.”
Sutton is right, with both Anton Stach and Joe Rodon certain to miss one of the biggest games of the season, the German manager will need to find alternate solutions within his squad to replace two of the players who are typically some of the first names on the teamsheet when fit.
Sutton feels like defeating this Man United side, who have been rejuvenated since Michael Carrick took over as manager, is a step too far for Leeds, with the former striker having this to say about the matchup on Monday night.
“Michael Carrick has really turned Manchester United around, to the extent where they are basically nailed on for Champions League football next season.
“I don’t think anyone would back against them at Old Trafford at the moment, either. I can only see a home win here, with Bruno Fernandes being integral again.”
Sutton then went on to predict Leeds to fall to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of their bitter rivals, which would further extend their horrendous run of form at Old Trafford.
READ MORE: Gabby Agbonlahor makes Leeds United relegation prediction – The Leeds Press
Data suggests Ethan Ampadu will have his hands full at Old Trafford
Assuming that Ampadu starts in his usual midfield role and is not forced into the backline with United’s current injury troubles, he will surely have his work cut out for him when it comes to keeping Man United’s talisman Fernandes quiet.
- Fernandes has scored eight goals in 28 Premier League appearances so far this season
- The Portuguese playmaker has also managed to record an incredible 16 assists so far in the league this season
- The 31-year-old has also created 24 big chances (Sofascore)
The Whites will need Ampadu to be at his very best to stop Man United’s playmaker from running the game, and this duel between the two players could end up determining whether or not Leeds return to West Yorkshire with a positive result.
Fernandes was not involved in the reverse fixture between the two sides at Elland Road back in January, and hopefully for Leeds, they come up with a plan to keep the Portuguese international quiet.
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