- Leeds United U21 have won two, drawn one and lost five of their eight home games in the Premier League 2.
- Manchester United U21 have not lost an away game in the Premier League 2 (W7, D2).
- Manchester United U21 have conceded just eight goals on the road.
Tactical encounter to provide plenty of action
Manchester United U21 head into Friday’s Premier League 2 clash with Leeds United U21 as the clear favourites with the bookmakers, but there is enough value in backing the hosts to trouble them to put the visitors’ price into perspective.
The visitors have a record of 21/50 for this game, while Leeds are 104/25 to get the three points.
The second-string Leeds side have won one and lost one of their last two home games, while the Red Devils have avoided defeat in their last two away - winning one and drawing the other.
Manchester United U21 have been the better of the two sides this season, occupying second spot in the PL2 with 40 points from 18 games, but Leeds are only 24th with 18 points from the same number of games. The hosts also have the better of the recent head-to-head record, having won one and drawn two of the last three meetings, but they have not beaten United’s second-string side at home in their last two attempts.
Hosts could trouble visitors
A lot of emphasis has been placed on the youth sides reflecting the philosophies of the senior teams, and Leeds boss Scott Gardner seems to have done that.
Leeds United U21 set up in a 4-2-3-1 system that involves some patient build-up play, plenty of positional rotations and counter-pressing when possession is lost. Manchester United U21 also play a 4-2-3-1 but are more concerned with playing at pace and getting on the counter-attack.
Travis Binnion’s men are more about quick transitions and wide play, which should make for an interesting tactical match that could feature plenty of attacking action. We like both teams to score at 23/50 and over 2.5 goals at 8/25.
Red Devils are the class act
The Red Devils are the superior team and should take all three points, but Leeds have a solid counter-attacking game and pride to play for at home. Manchester United U21 have been in solid form with two wins, two draws and just one defeat in their last five Premier League 2 matches, while Leeds United U21 have one win, one draw and three defeats over the same period. A 3-1 win for Manchester United U21 gets our vote in the correct score market as Leeds beat Tottenham Hotspur Academy 1-0 at home and lost 5-2 to Sunderland Academy on the road in their last 5.
Rhys Chadwick is Leeds United U21’s main attacking threat, having scored three of their last seven goals over the past five games. Chido Obi is the main man up front for Manchester United U21, netting four of their last eight, and he has been efficient recently.
