Manchester United face Leeds United tonight in the first of two consecutive meetings.
Goals from Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford handed United a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace in their last outing, but Erik ten Hag’s side were handed a major blow as Casemiro was sent off. The Brazilian will miss the next three games but will be back in time for the Carabao Cup final clash with Newcastle.
After both Arsenal and Manchester City lost over the weekend, United are right in the title race, with Ten Hag’s side just eight points behind top spot. But, with Leeds having sacked manager Jesse Marsch ahead of the clash with United, the Whites could have a new manager bounce to make it a more difficult task for United.
READ MORE: United make decision on Casemiro red card appeal
So, could Ten Hag’s side pick up a big three points tonight? Let's take a look.
Man United vs Leeds score predicted by simulation
To complete this simulation, we used FIFA 23 and updated the squads with the latest injuries and suspensions.
We predict that United could line up in a 4-3-3 formation, with their line-up as follows: De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Fred, Fernandes, Sabitzer; Sancho, Weghorst, Rashford.
We predict that the visitors could set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with their line-up as follows: Meslier; Ayling, Cooper, Wober, Strujik; Adams, Roca; Sinisterra, Harrison, Gnoto; Bamford.
Jadon Sancho looked back to his best in the opening stages of the game, with the winger testing Illan Meslier twice in the opening stages as United looked to take the lead. The pressure was mounting from United as they suffocated Leeds in their own half, and Ten Hag's side finally took the lead after 34 minutes through January signing Marcel Sabitzer.
As Fernandes surged into the box, a smart flick from the Portuguese midfielder found Sabitzer on the overlap, setting the midfielder through on goal. The Austrian was pushed wide as he evaded a couple of challenges, but a well-placed driven shot evaded the 'keeper and fizzed into the far corner for 1-0.
Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez were both well-protected throughout the game by Fred who was producing a fantastic performance, limiting the visitors to only a couple of shots from distance that failed to trouble David De Gea. United maintained control throughout the game, and they wrapped up the three points in the 83rd minute through Fernandes.
Rashford, now being deployed centrally, did well to hold up possession deep in the Leeds half and wait for reinforcements. The striker rolled the ball into the midfielder's feet as he burst through on goal, and he found the top corner with a long-range effort that made it 2-0.
FIFA 23 predicted score: Man United 2-0 Leeds
Here are the full-time stats:
FIFA 23 predicts that United's midfield could star against Leeds tonight, with goals from Sabitzer and Fernandes settling the simulated match. Once again, Ten Hag's side were impressive defensively, limiting the visitors to just two shots all game in a straightforward victory.
What do you think the final score will be? Let us know in the comments.
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