'It will be much closer' Mark Lawrenson makes Leeds United prediction ahead of Man Utd clash

Writing his weekly prediction piece for BBC Sport, pundit and broadcaster Mark Lawrenson turned his attention to the big game a Elland Road, and tipped the visitors to claim a narrow 2-1 win.

Explaining his choice, the ex-Liverpool defender wrote: "Manchester United smashed Leeds 6-2 at Old Trafford earlier in the season, but I think it will be much closer this time.

“Leeds have gone five games unbeaten, and have taken points off teams like Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool in that time, but Manchester United are on a good run themselves, with five straight wins in all competitions since they went out of the FA Cup to Leicester.

“Mason Greenwood and Edinson Cavani are both looking dangerous in attack for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side and, defensively, I think Manchester United will deal with Leeds better than Liverpool did on Monday. They should edge it.”

Meanwhile, Lawro's sparring partner for the week, Wolf Alice bass player Theo Ellis, tipped the Whites for a 3-1 win, and contended: “I can actually imagine Manchester United being fairly disinterested here.

“They are a long way behind leaders City and also a long way ahead of third-placed Leicester, so they don't have much to play for in the Premier League.“It is so difficult to predict the result of any Leeds game, but I hope they win.”