Dimitar Berbatov will be given an opportunity to prove himself to Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson this evening and the Bulgarian can put Leeds to the sword at Elland Road.
The last time that Manchester United faced their rivals from across the Pennines, it was Leeds United that pulled off a shock away victory to dump Sir Alex Ferguson's team out of the FA Cup. Since then, Leeds have been promoted to the Championship and will now be looking to pull off another cup giant-killing.
On this occasion it is Leeds who have the home advantage and their manager Simon Grayson has indicated that he will bow to fan pressure and put out a full strength side. Leeds will be without their suspended full-back Patrick Kisnorbo, after he was sent off at the weekend, but otherwise should be unchanged from the team that defeated Bristol City, with the possible exception of a starting role for Luciano Becchio alongside the in-form Ross McCormack in attack.
The visitors will surely rotate their side having played on Sunday, but I would still expect Ferguson to pick a strong team. He will be loathe to risk another defeat to Leeds and it is worth noting that United fielded the likes of Wayne Rooney in the last encounter. This game will represent a good opportunity to play a number of senior players who haven't seen much action this season, such as Dimitar Berbatov, Ryan Giggs and Michael Owen.
Match Odds: Leeds 6.8, The Draw 4.7, Manchester United 1.56
Leeds may have enjoyed some good home form this season, with three wins and only one defeat from their four league games at Elland Road, but the
Betfair punters still have Manchester United as the odds-on favourites.
It's easy to see why. Although United will field a weaker side, everything is relative when that means them letting the likes of Dimitar Berbatov off the leash. Leeds' best chance is if they can outwork the opposition in midfield - the one area of Manchester United's squad that doesn't boast huge strength in depth - but having conceded in every game they've played this season, they will surely struggle to contain the Premier League leaders' attackers.
It's not a bad price for an away win, but given the potential for Leeds to raise their game, as they managed two seasons ago, I think that there are safer bets out there.
Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Overs 1.54, Unders 2.66
As I've already pointed out, Leeds have conceded in every game they've played this season, while Manchester United have only kept a clean sheet in two of their six games.
Leeds' striker McCormack currently tops the Championship scoring table, which has contributed to the fact that Leeds have been involved in eight games which have broken the 2.5 goals barrier, from a total of nine outings. Manchester United have done likewise in five of their six games, so overs looks like a no-brainer, but for the fact that the odds are appropriately skinny.
A better bet for me is over 3.5 goals at 2.3. Five of Leeds nine games have produced four goals or more, while the visitors have broken 3.5 goals in three of their six games.
First Goal Odds
No team starts faster out of the blocks than Manchester United. They have twice scored their opening goal with 0-10 minutes this season and the odds for the first goal by either side coming within this timeframe is 3.6. I'm backing the next period of 11-20 minutes at a slightly bigger price of 4.1 though.
To Score
When the anytime goalscorer market opens on Betfair closer to kick off, expect Berbatov to be priced at a good value 2.5, with his likely striker partner Owen around the 2.75 mark. For Leeds, McCormack will be available at about 4.5.
Best Bet: Back Berbatov to score @ 2.5
Back over 3.5 goals @ 2.3
Back First Goal between 11-20 minutes @ 4.1
