12 February 2023 , 09:00
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This weekend will mark a rare anomaly in the Premier League calendar as Manchester United and Leeds United face-off for the second time in a week.
There are often occasions when teams face each other in quick succession across different competitions, but both of these encounters come in the league. The two arch rivals only met at Old Trafford on Wednesday, with the Red Devils coming back from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw.
But just hours after the post-match press conferences had concluded, focus returned on doing it all over again at Elland Road on Sunday. Here’s everything you need to know about what promises to be another fiery clash...
Why are they playing against each other again so soon?
Wednesday night’s match in Manchester was originally scheduled to be played in September. However, that was postponed following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
That round of fixtures will now be squeezed into a fixture list already crammed thanks to the World Cup break. The Red Devils were left with few choices in where the game could be moved to, considering they are still in all cup competitions.
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The next round of the FA Cup was a potential slot for the fixture to be played in, as with Liverpool ’s meeting with Wolves. However, both sides have ties to play, with Man United also missing another Premier League game thanks to their upcoming Carabao Cup final.
Man United and Leeds United played out a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford on Wednesday (Malcolm Bryce/ProSports/REX/Shutterstock)How to watch it
The thrilling 2-2 draw in midweek was also notable for the fact viewers from the UK were unable to watch the action live. That was because the original fixture hadn’t been picked for TV broadcasting, meaning the change is unable to be made.
The Sky cameras will be at Elland Road though as Leeds look to go one better in front of their own fans. It will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League, with coverage for the 2pm kick off beginning at 12.30pm on the Premier League channel.
What the managers have said
Leeds will again be without a permanent manager, as their search for Jesse Marsch’s successor goes on. The Whites hoped to have a new man in the dugout for this rematch, but have been frustrated in their pursuits of Carlos Corberan, Arne Slot and Andoni Iraola.
Michael Skubala remains in interim charge and he admitted that playing against the same team in such quick succession presents unique challenges.
Michael Skubala will be in the Leeds dugout again on Sunday (Getty Images)He said: "Back-to-back games [against the same team] are unusual. There may be one or two tweaks to the side, but there's nothing we can change majorly. We can get work done tomorrow and a bit of shape."
Meanwhile, Ten Hag confirmed Scott McTominay would be absent for this weekend and admitted that the hectic schedule is putting extra pressure on his squad.
The Dutchman said: “With the injuries, if you see Christian Eriksen, you can't see that as an impact from the tough season, but it definitely is a tough season with the World Cup in between and a lot of overload from the players.
“That process is already longer term going on that the load on the players is too much.”