Elland Road is set to ignite on Sunday, January 4, 2026, as Leeds United welcome their fierce rivals Manchester United in one of English football’s most storied showdowns. The much-anticipated clash marks the first Premier League meeting between these two adversaries since early 2023, and it’s a fixture that’s got fans on both sides buzzing with anticipation. With Manchester United sitting in sixth place and Leeds United battling from sixteenth, the stakes are sky-high for both teams as they look to kick off the new year with a statement.
Manchester United, under the stewardship of Ruben Amorim, arrive with 30 points from 19 matches, having notched eight wins, six draws, and five losses. Their last outing—a 1-1 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers—left supporters frustrated and added pressure on Amorim, especially with key players sidelined. Leeds United, meanwhile, are enjoying a six-match unbeaten streak in the Premier League, a run that’s seen them claim two wins and four draws. Their most recent result was a hard-fought 0-0 draw at Anfield against Liverpool, a testament to their new-found resilience.
The recent form guide tells a tale of two teams on divergent paths. Leeds, newly promoted this season, have recovered from a tough string of fixtures—including matches against Aston Villa, Manchester City, Chelsea, and two against Liverpool—to move clear of the relegation zone. Their unbeaten run began with a stunning 3-1 win over Chelsea at Elland Road, followed by a thumping 4-1 victory against Crystal Palace and gritty draws against Brentford, Sunderland, and Liverpool. As for Manchester United, their last five league games have been a mixed bag: two wins, two draws, and a loss. The Red Devils’ draw against Wolves, the league’s bottom side, has only intensified scrutiny over their inconsistency.
Historically, this fixture has favored Manchester United, who have not lost to Leeds in the Premier League since 2010. In their last five meetings, United have won three and drawn two, including a 2-0 victory at Elland Road in February 2023, with goals from Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho. However, the Whites will be hoping to flip the script this time, buoyed by their home form and the passionate Elland Road faithful.
Team news ahead of Sunday’s clash is dominated by absentees on both sides. Leeds United are without four first-team regulars: captain Ethan Ampadu is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card against Liverpool, while Joe Rodon is sidelined with an ankle injury sustained in the 1-1 draw at Sunderland. Daniel James and Sean Longstaff are also unavailable due to injury. There’s some hope that Sebastiaan Bornauw and Ilia Gruev, both withdrawn due to cramps at Anfield, will be fit to start. Up front, Dominic Calvert-Lewin is set to return to the starting lineup, having been in inspired form—he’s scored in each of his last three Premier League home games and will be aiming to make it four, a feat last achieved by a Leeds player in 2004.
Manchester United’s injury woes are even more pronounced. Skipper Bruno Fernandes remains out with a hamstring injury, joined on the sidelines by Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo, and Mason Mount. The Red Devils are also missing Amad, Bryan Mbeumo, and Noussair Mazraoui, all away at the Africa Cup of Nations. Amorim is likely to deploy a back four, with Senne Lammens in goal and a defensive line featuring Lisandro Martinez, Ayden Heaven, Leny Yoro, and Luke Shaw. In midfield, Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte are set to anchor the team, flanked by Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu, while the attack will be led by Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and possibly Joshua Zirkzee.
Broadcast details ensure fans won’t miss a moment of the action. Kick-off is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. local time in Leeds (7:30 a.m. ET/4:30 a.m. PT in the United States). The match will be shown live in the UK on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate, and Discovery+, while viewers in the US can tune in via USA Network and the NBC Sports App. Canadian fans have access on DAZN and fuboTV, with coverage extending to Mexico on Max Mexico and TNT Sports.
Statistically, this matchup promises goals and drama. Manchester United have seen both teams score in 74% of their league matches this season—a figure that jumps to 89% away from home. Leeds, too, have been involved in high-scoring affairs, with 78% of their Elland Road fixtures featuring goals from both sides. Only Manchester City have participated in more games with over 2.5 goals than Leeds this campaign, and the Whites’ last three home matches have all seen four or more goals. United’s defensive frailties are well documented; their 29 goals conceded rank as the seventh-worst in the division, while Leeds are among the six teams with an even leakier backline.
Predictions from pundits and bookmakers suggest a tight contest, with many expecting both teams to find the net and the total goals to exceed 2.5. Some tip Leeds to finally break their long winless run against United, buoyed by home advantage and the Red Devils’ injury crisis. Others believe a draw is the most likely outcome, given Leeds’ penchant for stalemates—four in their last five outings—and United’s recent lack of creativity without Fernandes and other key figures.
For Leeds, a win would mark their first Premier League triumph over Manchester United since 2010 and provide a massive boost in their bid to climb the table. For United, three points are essential to keep pace with top-four rivals and to recover lost momentum after recent setbacks. Both managers—Daniel Farke for Leeds and Ruben Amorim for United—face selection headaches but will be urging their teams to seize the moment in one of English football’s most passionate rivalries.
As the teams prepare to walk out onto the hallowed turf of Elland Road, anticipation is at fever pitch. Will Leeds finally end their winless streak against the Red Devils, or can Manchester United overcome their injury woes and start 2026 with a vital victory? One thing’s certain: this Roses rivalry is set to deliver fireworks, and football fans everywhere will be glued to their screens come Sunday afternoon.