Leeds are arguably the favourites to beat Manchester United on Sunday.
The Whites come into this massive fixture without a defeat in six games – including two draws against Liverpool and a win over Chelsea – whereas Ruben Amorim was unable to even beat Wolves at Old Trafford last time out.
Alan Shearer has now shared his prediction as Leeds prepare to host Manchester United, and feels Daniel Farke will pick up all three points as long as he brings Dominic Calvert-Lewin back into the starting XI.
Alan Shearer backs Leeds United for victory so long as Dominic Calvert-Lewin starts
The Leeds No.9 was named on the bench for the 0-0 draw at Liverpool as Farke opted to rest his talisman, who had scored seven goals in six games before that stalemate.
Answer this: Leeds United will finish in ___th place if Dominic Calvert-Lewin stays fit 📊
Six goals in five for the big man!
Shearer has now said it is crucial that Calvert-Lewin, who Regis Le Bris called “smart” recently, returns to the side, telling the Metro: “Considering the turnaround from Leeds, I’m going to go for a home win.
“It’s always a great game at Elland Road and there’s not much love between the two sets of fans, so it should be an absolute cracker. With the form they’re in and Calvert-Lewin starting, I think Leeds will beat Man United.
“I’m not convinced all is well at United. Amorim mystifies me sometimes, especially going back to a back three after beating Newcastle. I think Leeds will have too much for them.”
Calvert-Lewin is expected to start after playing the final 20 minutes at Anfield, although Farke will be without Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu due to injury and suspension respectively, signifying two major absences for Leeds.
Daniel Farke must reunite Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha
Since Lukas Nmecha suffered a hamstring injury after the 3-1 win over Chelsea, he has not featured alongside Calvert-Lewin in attack as Noah Okafor stepped in.
However, the Germany international is now fit again after starting alongside Brenden Aaronson at Anfield, so Farke must reunite his two strikers.
Who should replace Ampadu against Manchester United? 🤔
The options will be scarce if Gruev needs a rest… 😬
Gary Neville felt Calvert-Lewin and Nmecha bullied Chelsea together, which they most certainly did, and they have all the attributes to trouble Manchester United, most importantly pace.
Ruben Amorim strangely admitted his Manchester United side “struggle with” speedy opponents, so it makes sense to deploy two athletic, mobile forwards who aren’t shy of physical battles.
As Shearer alluded to, Manchester United also used a back three in the 1-1 draw against Wolves, so it would make even more sense for Farke to unleash two strikers on just three defenders this Sunday.
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