Chris Knows: Leeds United vs Manchester United Prediction & More

The Premier League continues this weekend with a number of interesting matchups. We’ve looked closely at Leeds United vs Manchester United, Everton vs Chelsea, Newcastle vs Aston Villa and Brighton’s clash with Crystal Palace. Last week was a dismal return, with only my tip for Villa and Brentford to finish 2-2 @12/1 coming in.

Leeds United vs Manchester United

Manchester United’s defeat to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday wasn’t the on-pitch disaster that many supporters feared, yet comments made by Lisandro Martinez after the 2-0 defeat have heightened the sense of chaos around the club.

Michael Carrick needs to somehow find a way to focus on the football side of the job in the coming hours, with a potentially devastating trip to Elland Road awaiting the Reds.

Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo remain injury doubts for the weekend, whilst Harry Maguire is expected to return to the starting XI after being rested in the Spanish capital.

Leeds United have started the season very well, and the atmosphere at Elland Road will likely carry them to another level.

The sheer hatred of Manchester United can overpower players who pull on the Leeds United jersey, making life even tougher for a visiting team who are low on both confidence and belief in the project.

It would be a huge statement of intent for Manchester United to come out, show their quality and record a commanding away victory… but it just doesn’t look possible. I’m expecting a Leeds win on Sunday.

Everton vs Chelsea

Everton host Chelsea on Saturday with Xabi Alonso’s side having been mightily impressive in their last run out against Bournemouth.

The Toffees, you’d think, will present a far more resolute defensive challenge for the London club, but Alonso does seem to have his squad clicking.

The worry you’d have is that they still lack any real mettle through the middle. You feel like it’s a Chelsea team that has yet to be truly tested. It’s unclear how they’ll handle serious adversity.

Everton can provide that test, although goalscoring is proving to be an issue for the Merseyside club.

I don’t anticipate a goal-fest here, but I can’t see either side doing quite enough to win. A draw seems like a safe bet.

Newcastle vs Aston Villa

Newcastle’s performance against Coventry City wasn’t the disaster the scoreline made it out to be. They were caught cold by an incredibly motivated team in a challenging environment.

I don’t think there is a major need to panic yet for the Magpies. Alas, their Saturday evening fixture at home to Aston Villa looks increasingly more challenging on paper than the Coventry game.

Unai Emery’s teams are always well coached, but they too have started the new campaign slowly.

This isn’t necessarily a must-win for both teams, but it’s coming close to it.

They need a spark to get their seasons going, and the fact it’s a winnable game for both teams makes this a potentially interesting watch.

I think Both Teams to Score is smart, although I suspect Villa will have just enough to sneak it.

Brighton vs Crystal Palace

Brighton host Crystal Palace in a derby match on Sunday, with the Seasiders looking like they’re enjoying yet another phenomenal campaign.

They’re a team with such natural balance that they can be a problem to any team in the league.

Crystal Palace are yet to truly produce the kind of football that some fans expected when Pierre Sage arrived from Lens, although their 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest was brilliant.

It’s hard to see them being able to cope with the sheer variety of attacking options Brighton can throw at games, whilst the home atmosphere will also make their task even more difficult.

It would take a brave punter to tip Palace to take a win from their fierce rivals on Sunday afternoon.

Brighton are on the up and in fine form; I think they’ll win this with ease.