Man Utd vs Leeds Betting – FA Cup Third Round

Old Trafford
Sunday, January 3
Kick-off: 1pm

Manchester United’s season heads to the realms of the FA Cup, where they entertain old rivals Leeds United at Old Trafford on Sunday. With little in the way of major upsets in the Third Round so far, Leeds will be hoping that their short trip across the border will cause Alex Ferguson to have a red face by the end of the day. Leeds boss Simon Grayson is confident that his team can cause their high flying foes to have a very difficult afternoon. Coming away from Old Trafford would even be something of a moral victory for the League One side.

Jermain Beckford (who has netted 18 times this season) should be up front for Leeds, and they are looking strong at the top of League One, as they haven’t tasted defeat for 15 games now. Leeds are currently 8 points clear at the top of the division with a game in hand over their nearest challengers, Norwich and Charlton. They are in fine goal scoring form themselves, and will need to be on top of their game from the outset to challenge Man Utd. Despite the great form, there is still a gulf in class between the top of the Premier League and League One teams, but as struggling Reading showed against Liverpool on Saturday, the underdog can have almost have their day.

Manchester United should be able to field a more experienced back four, with Gary Neville, Nemanja Vidic and Wes Brown taking their places again. United have struggled for fit players at the back, but are starting to get back to some kind of strength there. After hammering Wigan 5-0 in their last outing, it could just be that United could be getting stronger now they are getting some of their experienced players like Paul Scholes. Wayne Rooney is firing on all cylinders, but he still remains their most favoured route to goal. If the Leeds defence can mark him out of the game, then they will be in with some kind of chance, as United have not proven to be overwhelmingly strong up front when Rooney is taken out of the equation.

Manchester United to win: 1/4 at SkyBet
Draw: 11/2 at Totesport
Leeds United to win: 13/1 at ExtraBet

Betting Advice: It has been 17 attempts since Leeds last beat Manchester United, and it will be just as much of an uphill struggle for them to get the job done again. Expect a lot of spirit from the League One side, but remember that doesn’t always equate to class. Manchester United, even if they are not as strong as they have been in past seasons, have more than enough quality to close this one out.
Leeds +1.75 Asian Handicap – Evens at Bet365