FA Cup Preview: Manchester United - Leeds United

Manchester United lock horns with Leeds United for the first time in almost six years in the FA Cup third round on Sunday. The two fierce rivals last met in February 2004, when a Leeds team at the dawn of their demise came away from Old Trafford with a 1-1 draw.

The Elland Road outfit were relegated from the Premier League that season and have been in free-fall ever since. While Leeds fans were forced to watch their team tumble down the divisions, Sir Alex Ferguson's Red Devils went on to flourish both domestically and in Europe.

However, the current crop at Leeds have shown they are a side on the up. Simon Grayson's charges are currently enjoying a 15-game unbeaten streak and are eight points clear of second place Charlton Athletic in the race for promotion out of League One. The Yorkshire-based Whites also have a Football League Trophy Northern Area final to look forward to, as well as Sunday's trip to the Theater of Dreams.

After a slight wobble, Manchester United are once again firing on all cylinders following Wednesday’s comprehensive victory over Wigan Athletic in the Premier League. The Reds trail Chelsea by just two points at the top of the table as we move into 2010.

While Leeds' boss Grayson will undoubtedly be focused on achieving promotion this season, there's no doubting his side will come out all guns blazing at Old Trafford as they attempt to pull off a remarkable scalp by progressing past the Premier League champions on their own patch.

FORM GUIDE

Manchester United

30 Dec: Manchester United 5-0 Wigan Athletic (Premier League)
27 Dec: Hull City 1-3 Manchester United (Premier League)
19 Dec: Fulham 3-0 Manchester United (Premier League)
15 Dec: Manchester United 3-0 Wolves (Premier League)
12 Dec: Manchester United 0-1 Aston Villa (Premier League)

Leeds United

28 Dec: Stockport County 2-4 Leeds United (League One)
26 Dec: Leeds United 3-1 Hartlepool United (League One)
19 Dec: Leeds United 1-0 Southampton (League One)
15 Dec: Leeds United 2-0 Accrington Stanley (Football League Trophy)
12 Dec: Brentford 0-0 Leeds United (League One)

TEAM NEWS

Manchester United

Ferguson should resist the temptation of playing a plethora of youngsters against a Leeds team who are currently 43 league places below the Reds.

Paul Scholes (hip) and Gary Neville (groin) are likely to return from injury, while Wayne Rooney will be desperate for the chance to improve on his already impressive strike rate of 15 goals.

Ben Foster may be given the chance to stake a claim for a regular spot in goal while Michael Owen will be pushing for a start alongside Rooney in attack.

Possible starting XI: Foster; Fabio, Vidic, Brown, Neville; Obertan, Scholes, Fletcher, Park; Rooney, Owen.

Leeds United

Leeds will definitely be without defender Leigh Bromby through suspension while Max Gradel (on-loan from Leicester City) is cup-tied.

Grayson is likely to re-call Jonathan Howson to the side having dropped him to the bench for the 4-2 league win over Stockport County.

Possible starting XI: Ankergren; Hughes, Kisnorbo, Naylor, Crowe; Doyle, Howson, Kilkenny, Snodgrass; Becchio, Beckford.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Manchester United - Gabriel Obertan

Despite having been limited to sporadic appearances so far this season, Manchester United's summer signing from Bordeaux has certainly not looked out of place when called upon. The tricky winger will be eager to get the nod against Leeds in an attempt to further showcase his potential to the Old Trafford faithful.

Leeds United - Jermaine Beckford

Beckford is one away from 20 goals already this season and has notched up a brace in each of his last two games. The Leeds forward will be keen to prove he is capable of playing at a much higher level than League One by showcasing his ability against the very best of Premier League opposition.

PREDICTION

Leeds certainly won't lie down and their run of 15 games unbeaten should definitely not be ignored, but the Red Devils should still come out smelling of roses.