Leeds United v. Manchester United - Preview


Returns to Yorkshire

By Chris O'Brien
October 18 2003

Sir Alex looks set to name an unchanged side from the one that eased past Birmingham a fortnight ago, as United face arch-rivals Leeds United at Elland Road. Rio Ferdinand will be centre of attention yet again, and will undoubtedly receive a hostile reception from supporters of his former club. Match Report

Leeds United v. Manchester United - Preview
United return to action to face arch-rivals Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday, in what is sure to be another eventful War of the Roses derby.

The rivalry in terms of Premiership position has perhaps lose a bit of it's spark in recent years, as cash-strapped Leeds United continue to plummet down the league table, but the hatred is as strong as ever between the two sets of supporters, so a win is vital!

The Whites have had a rather torrid start to the season, and despite the almost ridiculous optimism from their supporters, it is starting to look as if the 'big club' from Yorkshire are facing another season of scrapping against relegation. 4-0 losses at the hands of Leicester City and Everton are hardly scorelines you'd associate with a team looking for European qualification, are they?

Leeds could drop back into the bottom three tomorrow, with the early kick-off giving United the chance of getting the psychological edge over Chelsea and Arsenal by going top of the league for a few hours at least. The current top two meet in the eagerly anticipated London derby at 3pm.

Rio Ferdinand's tough week, which saw him dropped for the England squad for the 'scandal' surrounding him missing a drugs test, will get worse tomorrow as the defender can expect another afternoon of taunts and boos from the charming Elland Road faithful. Don't they realise that the £30million they received for Ferdinand probably saved the club!

Sir Alex Ferguson looks set to name an unchanged side from the one that comfortably defeated 10-men Birmingham City 3-0 two weeks ago. This would mean youngster Darren Fletcher, who scored Scotland's winning goal last weekend, will get another chance to impress as he looks to make the right-wing vacancy in the United line-up his own.

A couple for the stattos - Mikael Silvestre will be making his 200th Manchester United appearance tomorrow, and Roy Keane is only a hat-trick away from his 50th Red Devils goal!

Mark Viduka looks set to return to the Leeds United line-up following an injury to a hamstring, and Jermaine Pennant is also likely to be involved after being out with food poisoning. Leeds will be missing the banned Ian Harte and Jody Morris, but Peter Reid will be boosted by the news that Roque Junior has completed his one-match suspension and is available for selection.

Derbies are never easy to predict, but if you fancy a flutter on tomorrows game, then United have been made favourites with a rather unattractive price of 8/15. Leeds are priced at the surprisingly high 9/2, with the draw put at 5/2.

One to Watch - Paul Robinson
One of the shining lights in the Leeds side this season has been 'keeper Paul Robinson, who has put on a number of impressive displays. Robinson is looking to make the England goalkeepers job his own, and is set to rise to the challenge of an on-form United tomorrow.

ManUtdWeb Prediction – Leeds United 1-1 Manchester United
These games rarely prove to be easy, and despite their poor form I can see them getting something tomorrow! It would be nice to see Rio score for the visitors!

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