Leeds vs Manchester United prediction 04.01.2026 | Premier League

Last season, Leeds won the Championship title, securing promotion in their second season since the relegaton from the English top-flight. This season, the Whites only need to survive and are doing a fine job at the moment. In fact, it seems they are only doing better as the season progresses. Currently, they are on a six-game unbeaten run and are sitting in 16th place with 21 points, a pretty comfortable seven points away from the danger zone.

The team's captain and one of their best players this season, Ethan Ampadu, received his fifth yellow card in the previous game against Liverpool and will be suspended for the MU game. Besides suspended Ampadu, the team will miss three players who should remain sidelined with their injuries - Daniel James, Sean Longstaff, and Joe Rodon. Moreover, Sebastiaan Bornauw is questionable after suffering a minor injury in the previous game. 

Manchester United are trying to recover from a disastrous last season. While their fans aren't satisfied with this season either, objectively, the Red Devils are doing better but still can't play consistently at a high level. After 19 rounds, Amorim's squad is in 6th place with 30 points - only three points behind 4th-placed Liverpool and a Champions League appearance next season. 

Unfortunately, the Red Devils are having major absences for the upcoming game. Amad Diallo, Noussair Mazraoui, and Bryan Mbeumo are on the ongoing AFCON, while Matthijs de Ligt, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, and their best player, Bruno Fernandes, are out with injuries. 

After a 1:1 draw with Wolves, coach Ruben Amorim was very unhappy, saying they struggled for the entire game and lacked creativity, fluidity, and overall quality. However, he hinted that it is mainly due to the absence of their key players, but also said they have to overcome that.