Leeds Expected Starting XI Against Manchester United on January 4

Published On: January 3, 2026

Leeds Expected Starting XI Against Manchester United on January 4

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Leeds United is set to face their rivals, Manchester United, in a crucial match at Elland Road. Leeds has not lost in six games and is now seven points clear of the relegation zone, with a chance to move up to 15th place with a win. Here’s what their predicted lineup looks like.

Leeds Predicted Lineup for Upcoming Match Against Manchester United

Recent Lineup Overview

Goalkeeper Lucas Perri recorded his third clean sheet this season during Leeds’ 0-0 draw at Anfield, showcasing strong defense against Liverpool. With Joe Rodon injured, Sebastiaan Bornauw stepped into the back three alongside Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk, proving reliable in his first start for the team.

James Justin played right wing-back to give Jayden Bogle a break; Justin’s performance earned him the Player of the Match award, demonstrating the team’s depth. On the left, Gabriel Gudmundsson is expected to play the full 90 minutes in all three of United’s matches this week.

In midfield, Farke chose Ilia Gruev to bolster defense alongside regulars Ethan Ampadu and Anton Stach, which helped limit Liverpool’s creative opportunities.

Up front, Brenden Aaronson partnered with the returning Lukas Nmecha, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin rested due to prior injuries.

Leeds’ Recent Performance and Strategy

Leeds is currently six games unbeaten, primarily due to Farke’s tactical switch to a 3-5-2 formation, making the team more organized and difficult to break down. In their latest match at Anfield, Leeds limited Liverpool to only three shots on target and nearly scored themselves with a disallowed goal from Calvert-Lewin.

Statistics from Opta indicate that Leeds now has just a 10.66% chance of relegation, a notable improvement since November when Farke’s role seemed uncertain.

With the January transfer window open, Leeds is reportedly looking to strengthen their squad with a new forward and center-back to aid their survival efforts.

Key Absences for Leeds

Farke acknowledged the challenge of missing captain Ethan Ampadu due to yellow card accumulation for the match against Manchester United. Rodon will be out for approximately three weeks with an ankle ligament injury. Long-term absentees Sean Longstaff and Daniel James will also miss this upcoming match.