Leeds United

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

After the memorable victories against Chelsea and Crystal Palace and the thrilling comeback against Liverpool in their last three home games, the arrival of Leeds' fiercest rivals to Elland Road was a bit drab.

True, Senne Lammens knew better than to wave towards the Kop given the noise that accompanied his arrival for the start of the game, Cunha received a frosty reception when he went to take a corner and Luke Shaw a more personal one when he conceded one, but it was not really intimidating.

Leeds' fans were more concerned about their side's inability to get worthwhile possession close to the visitors' penalty area for any length of time.

The Dominic Calvert-Lewin header that clipped off the post was an isolated moment, created through Anton Stach's accurate curling cross and the striker's ability to get some space for himself in a crowded box.

It still felt as though Leeds were struggling when Ayden Heaven's positional error opened the door for Brenden Aaronson.

Ever so briefly, Leeds' delirious fans thought they were about to secure a rare win against Manchester United, something they have now only experienced once in 20 top-flight encounters.

Nevertheless, there is a much bigger picture to deal with for Daniel Farke and Leeds.

When they went to Manchester City on 29 November on the back of a run of one win in seven games, many thought Farke would be out of a job by now.

Instead, he is masterminding significant progress.

The job is not done yet but step by step, Leeds are getting closer to survival.

Daniel Farke spoke to TNT Sports after Leeds' draw against Manchester United: "If you play Man Utd as a newly-promoted side it's always a good point. Also a good point, it wasn't our best game today football-wise, it was a bit scruffy, you could see a few key players were out and we were a bit tired today.

"Nevertheless we found a way. We forced an opener and would have taken all three points, so for that I'm a bit disappointed, but if I calm down I have to say it's a fair point."

"It's a good point, another point on our tally and extend the gap a little bit. Resilience in a difficult game for us, but I'm still a bit disappointed it wasn't three points."

"We had to play with fire in the heart and cool in the head. It's difficult when you have such a schedule. We kept a clean sheet away at Liverpool, then two and a half days later everyone tells you it's the most important game in the last three years. Everyone is super excited.

"It was important to play aggressive and with intensity, and find a good balance. Football definitely wasn't the best today, but another good point."

On how proud he is of the team recently: "We always give everything, and also physically we go over the line. Today that was necessary.

"We are on a good path."

Did you know?

Leeds United are unbeaten in their last seven Premier League games (W2 D5), earning as many points over that period (11) as their opening 13 matches of the 2025-26 campaign (W3 D2 L8).

Listen to more from Farke on BBC Sounds

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Leeds' performance

What did you make of Man Utd's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Leeds skipper Ethan Ampadu misses out through suspension but in-form striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin returns for Daniel Farke's side.

Noah Okafor is also included for the home side, with Lukas Nmecha dropping to the bench.

Leeds are looking for their first Premier League victory against today's opponents since September 2002.

Leeds United XI: Lucas Perri, Bornauw, Bijol, Struijk, Justin, Stach, Gruev, Okafor, Gudmundsson, Aaronson, Calvert-Lewin.

Substitutes: Darlow, Longstaff, Piroe, Nmecha, Harrison, Tanaka, Byram, Gnonto, Chambers.

Leny Yoro replaces Joshua Zirkzee in the Manchester United starting line-up. Replaced at half-time against Wolves despite scoring, Zirkzee drops to the bench where 17-year-old Godwill Kukonki replaces Chido Obi.

Patrick Dorgu seems set for a third different starting position in as many games, potentially in one of the number 10 roles.

Manchester United XI: Lammens, Heaven, Yoro, Martinez, Shaw, Dalot, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu, Cunha, Sesko.

Substitutes: Bayindir, Zirkzee, Malacia, Fredricson, J Fletcher, T Fletcher, Lacey, Mantato, Kukonki.

There are six games in the Premier League on Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Leeds v Manchester United (12:30)

• Everton v Brentford - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2

• Fulham v Liverpool - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Newcastle v Crystal Palace - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3

• Tottenham v Sunderland - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Manchester City v Chelsea (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times 15:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction from the first five games here

And go here for Man City v Chelsea

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Fulham v Liverpool" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Tottenham v Sunderland", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

I am loving Daniel Farke's Leeds United more and more, every passing week. They showed incredible guts to go to Anfield on Thursday and get a point and they almost took all three.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin will start this game after being rested until the last 20 minutes against Liverpool and he can cause Manchester United all sorts of problems.

Seeing Calvert-Lewin start among the substitutes raised a few eyebrows because of the run of scoring he is on, but that is the difficulty managers have at this time of year when games come thick and fast.

I know I go against Manchester United a lot with my predictions but I am still waiting for them to prove me wrong.

They have done all right recently, but nothing more. They have only lost two of their past 13 games, which is decent, but they have drawn five times in that run and, when I watch them, they are just not very exciting.

In fact, they are dull. Their fans used to sing "glory glory Man United" but now they are more likely to sing "boring boring Man United", when I expected a bit more from them this season.

You certainly wouldn't accuse Leeds United of being boring at the moment.

Maybe the way they will come at Manchester United will suit the visitors, but Ruben Amorim's side seem to lack leadership when Bruno Fernandes is missing and I am going to back Leeds United instead.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Jordan Butler
BBC Sport journalist

Leeds United and Manchester United prepare to renew hostilities in one of English football's fiercest rivalries on Sunday (12:30 GMT). BBC Sport explores some key themes ahead of the match.

Historic rivalry

The rivalry between Lancashire and Yorkshire dates back centuries and this fixture marks 100 years, three months and two days since the first top-flight meeting between these sides.

Leeds registered a 2-0 victory at Elland Road that day in October 1925 and the result helped the Yorkshire club avoid relegation from the old First Division by a single point – a good omen perhaps if they can replicate that result on Sunday. But in recent history this fierce cross-Pennine derby has been largely one-sided.

Leeds have recorded one top-flight victory over Manchester United in their past 19 attempts (D6, L12) and have defeated their bitter foes only five times in 34 league and cup meetings since the Premier League's inception in 1992 (D9, L20). Four of those victories were at home and the other came in the FA Cup at Old Trafford nearly 16 years ago.

Leeds have lost their past two home clashes with the Red Devils but have never suffered three straight defeats to their rivals at Elland Road.

Farke's found form

Daniel Farke's inspired switch of formation sparked an impressive end to 2025 in which his side went unbeaten throughout December. They are now six without defeat after a dogged defensive display earned them a deserved draw at Anfield on New Year's Day and they will certainly fancy their chances in this match.

Leeds have only failed to find the net in one of their last 17 Premier League home games and have scored three times or more in their past three outings. Those goals have contributed to comprehensive victories over Chelsea and Crystal Palace and a 3-3 draw with Liverpool.

Striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has found the net in all three of those matches and is vying to score in four successive home league games for the first time in his career. The last Leeds player to achieve such a feat was Mark Viduka in April 2004.

Manchester United's continuing habit

Manchester United's failure to beat Wolves in midweek drew audible criticism from the supporters inside Old Trafford, with the majority electing to boo off their team at full-time.

"Today, we could win but we had a lack of fluidity, a lack of quality and a lack of creation of chances," conceded head coach Ruben Amorim during his post-match interview.

His side squandered another lead in the 1-1 draw on Tuesday meaning they have dropped 12 points from winning positions this season – they relinquished 11 in the entirety of 2024-25 and 12 represents their joint-most at the halfway point of a Premier League campaign.

Victory would have propelled United to fifth, but they remain sixth prior to this weekend and are only three points behind fourth-place Liverpool. The Red Devils have also suffered just one defeat in the past seven league outings, winning three and drawing three of those matches.

Manchester United have enjoyed the upper hand against Leeds in recent years and they are unbeaten in their previous 25 league meetings with promoted sides, winning 22 and drawing three.

However, they have never defeated their Yorkshire rivals when facing them in the opening league game of a calendar year, drawing 0-0 in 1931, 1-1 in 1958, 0-0 in 1994 and losing 2-1 in 1969.

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Manchester United at Elland Road (kick-off 12:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• He said it will "be difficult" to face Manchester United without Ethan Ampadu - who will miss Sunday's game through suspension - but it is about finding another "solution" like they have all season.

• On being seven points clear of the relegation zone: "It's a really good sign. What has been encouraging is the performances and the competitive nature in the games. It is good but we have to stay awake."

• Farke went on to say they "are confident and happy" with recent results, "but there is no time for complacency or not staying humble".

• He said Sunday's game is "another fixture against a big name" and playing Manchester United "is special" because of the rivalry between the two clubs.

• More on facing United: "There is less time to recover, but it is a home game and at Elland Road we have a chance to fulfil the dreams of our supporters."

• On the January transfer window: "Nothing to speak of yet. Nothing will happen before the FA Cup weekend. I don't expect anything major. This group has achieved a lot."

Hear more from Farke on BBC Sounds

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Image source, Getty Images

Defender Jaka Bijol spoke to BBC Radio Leeds after the Whites' goalless draw with Liverpool at Anfield: "It was a good team performance. I feel like we connected really well as a group and everyone gave 100%. If someone made a small mistake, there was someone else there to correct that.

"We deserved the clean sheet. We just have the continue working and improving every week."

On manager Daniel Farke rotating his squad: "Everyone in the team deserves to play. Everyone on the training ground gives their best and waits for their chance. Only 11 can play and when they get it [their chance to play], they show their quality.

"I am really proud of everyone and how we manage this situation. Playing every three days is not easy. There has to be some rotation and the coach does that really well."

Explore all Leeds United content on BBC Sounds

We asked for your thoughts after Thursday's Premier League game between Liverpool and Leeds.

Here are some of your comments:

Liverpool fans

Adam: Pedestrian and flat. It seems now that this is the way Arne Slot wants them to play by 'sensibly' trying to wear the opposition down. It's not our way. We attack with energy and urgency. Most of all, we entertain. This isn't happening under Slot and I can't see it changing.

Alex: Liverpool are really unimaginative right now, lacking in creativity and zip. Slot needs to wake up.

MC: Crowd was quiet as no real excitement on the pitch. Slow. Sluggish. Ponderous in attack. Where has the fire gone?

John: Florian Wirtz is clearly a good player and he was bought at high cost for a game like this, where he could make a telling pass or incisive dribble to break through a determined and well-drilled defence. Unfortunately, he seems to be finding it a lot harder to do in the Premier League than in Germany. We needed those skills on Thursday. Fortunately, he's young and hopefully will improve.

Seth: Lethargic, no creativity, no intensity. The result is poor, but the performance is unacceptable. Unclear what Slot's plan really is - lots of possession, no attacking threat, and poor defensively (very susceptible to counter-attacks and set-pieces). Rio Ngumoah and Jeremie Frimpong were the only two players looking to be positive. Lost for words on Liverpool this season. We are going backwards.

Leeds fans

Dawn: Leeds are looking really well drilled. Another solid display and could have taken all three points. Manchester United next up at the weekend. Let's hope it's a good battle and a memorable game harping back to the type of game fought during the 1990s.

Benno: Not pretty but very gritty - we need points like this if we are going to survive. Great confidence boost as we continue in a rich vein of form.

Thomas: Four changes, a clean sheet and Liverpool created very few chances, so a massive result going forward. A little bit of better luck with Dominic Calvert-Lewin's offside and it's a big win. So difficult for players to come into a side when not having many minutes, but they didn't look out of place in the formation. It's a massive plus when you know you have squad players who can do a job. Big pat on the back to Daniel Farke as well - the players are certainly playing for him.

Ian: A brave decision in team selection by Farke, but his team did him proud. A marginal offside could have seen DCL win it for Leeds. Leeds are showing the spirit that should keep them up.

Graham: True Yorkshire grit and determination to get something out of the game! They're proving that they can compete at this level. Onwards and upwards from here.

Match of the Day pundit Steph Houghton discussed Leeds United's performance against Liverpool and their recent development under boss Daniel Farke.

Former England captain Houghton spoke particularly highly of Leeds' midfield three, saying that Ethan Ampadu, Anton Stach and Ilia Gruev "outran everyone on the pitch" and have been impressive at protecting the back four.

Pundits Steph Houghton and Dion Dublin join host Mark Chapman to bring you the action and talking points from Thursday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

Leeds manager Daniel Farke, speaking to BBC MOTD: "It doesn't come along that often that you get a clean sheet and a point at Anfield. We had to defend and suffer but we are newly promoted and came to the defending champions.

"There's always a special atmosphere on New Year's Day and you could feel that from the crowd but we performed well.

"The lads defended well and didn't allow clear cut chances. It's always important to be rock-solid against the ball and keep a clean sheet."

On Calvert-Lewin starting on the bench: "Sometimes the head has to win over the heart. We had four Premier League fixtures in 10 days and I have to trust my whole squad.

"We know what happened to Dominic in the last few years with injuries. Overall it was a sign of how much I trust the group."

On facing Manchester United next: "It will be tricky because we played late today and now we play early on Sunday.

"We will be without Ethan Ampadu after his yellow card today but we need to find solutions. We need to recover quickly."

• Hear more from Farke on BBC Sounds

Did you know?

• Following their 3-3 draw at Elland Road last month, Leeds have avoided defeat against Liverpool home and away in a Premier League season for the first time since they won both matches in 2000-01.

• Leeds are unbeaten against the reigning Premier League Champions (D2) in a season for the first time since 1994-95 against Manchester United (W1 D1).

• Lucas Perri became the first Leeds goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet against Liverpool in all competitions since Nigel Martyn (April 1999) and first at Anfield since John Lukic (April 1995).

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Liverpool's performance

What did you make of Leeds' display?

Come back on Friday for a selection of your replies

Arne Slot makes three changes from Liverpool's win over Wolves with Dominik Szoboszlai returning from suspension.

Andy Robertson comes in for Milos Kerkez while Conor Bradley starts at right-back, with Jeremie Frimpong on the right wing. Federico Chiesa drops to the bench.

Liverpool XI: Alisson, Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Gravenberch, Jones, Frimpong, Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Ekitike.

Substitutes: Chiesa, Gakpo, Kerkez, Wellity, Mac Allister, Mamardashvili, Ngumoha, Nyoni, Ramsay

For Leeds, Daniel Farke makes four changes from their draw at Sunderland as Dominic Calvert-Lewin drops to the bench. Lukas Nmecha starts up top.

Leeds XI: Perri, Justin, Bornauw, Bijol, Struijk, Gudmundsson, Aaronson, Ampadu, Gruev, Stach, Okafor.

Substitutes: Bogle, Byram, Calvert-Lewin, Darlow, Gnonto, Harrison, Okafor, Piroe, Tanaka

There are four games in the Premier League on Thursday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Crystal Palace v Fulham (17:30)

• Liverpool v Leeds (17:30)

• Brentford v Tottenham (20:00)

• Sunderland v Manchester City (20:00)

Kick-off times GMT

Follow all of the action and reaction here

Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix believes Leeds United have "passed the test" after coming through a run of tough fixtures in December.

This included big wins over Crystal Palace and Chelsea, and points against Brentford, Liverpool and Sunderland.

"There were loads of games that are all difficult on paper," Rix told BBC Radio Leeds sports editor Jonny Buchan on the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast. "Each time we have passed the test."

Leeds travel to Anfield on New Year's Day to face champions Liverpool in their latest tricky fixture, with age-old rivals Manchester United the visitors to Elland Road on Sunday.

Listen to the full podcast on BBC Sounds

Paul Birch
BBC Sport journalist

Liverpool will try and stop in-form Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring for a seventh consecutive Premier League game when they meet at Anfield on Thursday (kick-off 17:30 GMT).

Four wins on the bounce and seven games unbeaten in all competitions has steadied the ship at Anfield. Their three consecutive league wins has earned the Reds more points than the eight they managed across their previous 10 top-flight matches.

The shoots of recovery are there but they remain a long way from their best and were far from convincing in their 2-1 win against rock-bottom Wolves. Their failings from set pieces were again laid bare with Santiago Bueno's goal coming from a corner.

No top-flight side has conceded more goals from set pieces (excluding penalties) than Liverpool's 12 this season, while only West Ham (11) have let in more from corners than the Reds' seven.

At this point last season they were still to concede at all from a corner. Bad news for this fixture, then, that only Manchester United (13) have scored more goals from non-penalty set-pieces than Leeds's 12 this campaign.

In attack, things are not much better and Arne Slot's side have only scored three goals from non penalty set-pieces in the league. That difference of minus nine between conceding and scoring set-piece goals is currently the biggest in the Premier League in 2025-26.

As a result, set-piece coach Aaron Briggs left the club this week with defender Virgil van Dijk saying their problems in this area have been a "killer".

"There have been plenty of games when we have defended them very well," said the Liverpool skipper. But the fact is we've conceded too many set-piece goals and we don't score enough."

Meanwhile, resurgent Leeds are unbeaten in their past five league games and a win at Anfield would move them nine points clear of the bottom three.

The nine points they have won during this this run is one more than they had in their 12 previous league matches combined.

They have embraced a more direct approach in games and this has paid off in style, particularly to get the best out of striker Calvert-Lewin.

His sensational run of form continued against Sunderland with a seventh goal in six top-flight matches.

He is only the 11th English player to score in six consecutive Premier League appearances, and the first since Joe Willock netted in seven in a row from April to May 2021. He's also the first Leeds player to achieve this in the top flight since John McCole in 1959-60.

Given their recent good form and the way they battled back to earn a 3-3 draw against the Reds in the reverse fixture in early December, Daniel Farke's side will be confident of securing consecutive league wins at Liverpool for the first time in their history following a 2-1 victory at Anfield in October 2022.

They are also targeting a rare victory against the reigning champions. Their only victory in their past 16 such games came via a famous Mark Viduka winner against Arsenal at Highbury in May 2003.

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

A normal Premier League season may run from August to May, but what happens if we stop the table now? What if it was only what happened in 2025 that counted?

With the calendar flicking over to 2026, this is the ideal time to check back on which teams have had an enjoyable 12 months and see who had a year to forget.

The top five is an accurate reflection of this season's top five (although it should be noted not all teams have played the same number of games).

Arsenal have led the way this campaign and, after coming up short last season, they will be striving to go one better to finally secure an elusive first Premier League trophy since 2004.

If looking just at the past 12 months, the title would be theirs, despite a number of draws early in 2025.

Having gone through their worst run of form under Pep Guardiola late in 2024 and early into 2025, alongside their initial poor start to this season, it may be surprising to find Manchester City so close at the top.

But a feature of this City side under Guardiola is their ability to recover from less than impressive starts and go on winning streaks - they are currently on a run of six wins in the league.

Aston Villa fans can look also back fondly on 2025, having experienced the return of Champions League football, secured more European football again this term and found themselves in a battle for the Premier League trophy.

They may have had a slow start this season but their general consistency in 2025 and a club record-equalling run of 11 straight wins in the final weeks catapults them into the top three.

Having won the title with ease last season, Liverpool fans can still revel in that achievement. But a drop-off at the end of 2024-25 and a poor run this time around leaves them fourth for the year.

Meanwhile, Chelsea made progress in 2025 under Enzo Maresca, with Champions League football and two bits of silverware, but a lack of consistency in a young team prevents them ascending higher than fifth.

When looking at the next five, there are perhaps some surprises.

With their FA Cup win, 2025 will go down in Crystal Palace's history, and their Premier League form has not been too shabby either as they compete with the teams that have occupied Champions League spots in recent seasons.

No Thomas Frank, Bryan Mbeumo or Yoane Wissa? No problem for Brentford. They may have had a summer of upheaval but that has not stopped the Bees buzzing as they continue to perform above expectations.

After a few years of struggles on and off the pitch, 2025 seems to be the one Everton fans can finally start to look up rather than down with the new stadium and return of David Moyes bringing much-needed stability.

Newcastle may have had a few ups and downs, but they have come good when needed and hold their own in the top six, while Brighton continue to establish themselves firmly in the top 10.

Find out how the bottom half of the table shapes up on the post below

Now, what about those who may have had a less enjoyable 2025?

Manchester United continue to try to find their feet under Ruben Amorim. And while there have been glimmers of progress in recent weeks, a torrid first half of the year has left them with much room for improvement (and a draw with Wolves to end 2025 only added to the questions).

Bournemouth and Fulham both seem to have found consistency in their ability to be inconsistent.

There have been bursts of form from both, but also bouts of disappointment they might rather forget.

As for Nottingham Forest, 2025 may have been the year they returned to Europe for the first time in nearly three decades, but when it came to results in the league, particularly this season, it has been more of one to forget.

Under their third head coach of the season, they will hope 2026 does not bring the return of Championship football.

Like Forest, Tottenham's 12 months has been memorable for both the good and the bad.

A first trophy in 17 years was secured in the Europa League, but it has been far from impressive in the Premier League, managing just 11 wins from 37 matches and some pressure already building on boss Thomas Frank.

One of the most notable things about the bottom end of the calendar year table is the presence of all three promoted teams, despite two of the three having played a game less than the relegated clubs of last season.

With Leeds nine points better off and Sunderland 17, it highlights the disparity in how well this year's promoted sides have done in comparison to the previous three.

For the Black Cats, it has been a dream return to the top flight, including a recent win over Tyne-Wear rivals Newcastle, and in this season's table they find themselves just two points off fifth.

After overcoming a difficult patch, Leeds are also enjoying their return to the top table, slowly pulling themselves away from the danger spots.

It has been more of a struggle for Scott Parker's Burnley, but they will not lose hope with still half a campaign to go.

After recent successes with European football, domestically things have become a harder watch for West Ham supporters as they struggle to find the balance between good football and much-needed results

Then there is Wolves - and fans may want to look away.

Despite playing 20 Premier League games more, the West Midlands side accumulated only one point more than Sunderland across the year.

A win this term still eludes them and safety in 2026 appears a distant dream.

Check out how the top half of the table looked in the post above