Manchester City will take on Leeds United on the 6th of May, in a game that holds utmost importance in both ends of the table, as it is a fight between the table toppers and relegation-threatened Leeds. Here is a preview of Manchester City vs Leeds United.
Leeds United are currently in 17th place in the Premier League standings and have struggled to cope with the rigors of the top flight this season. The away side slumped to a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Bournemouth last week and will need to bounce back in this fixture.
Manchester City, on the other hand, are at the top of the league table at the moment and have been in impressive form this season. The Cityzens eased past West Ham United by a 3-0 margin in their previous game and will look to achieve a similar result this weekend.
Man City vs Leeds Head-to-Head and Numbers
- Manchester City have a good historical record against Leeds United and have won 48 out of the 103 matches played between the two teams, as opposed to Leeds United’s 43 victories.
- Manchester City have won their last three matches against Leeds United in the Premier League – as many victories as they had achieved in the 14 such games preceding this run.
- Leeds United lost this fixture by a 7-0 margin last season and last lost consecutive away league games against Manchester City in 1992.
- Leeds United conceded 23 goals in their seven games in the Premier League in April this year and set a new record in the competition.
- Since their return to the Premier League in 2020, Leeds United have won five Premier League games in May and have achieved their highest win rate in this month.
MORE: Manchester City vs Leeds historical statistics
Team News
Man City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne has missed the last two games with an unspecified injury and remains a doubt for Saturday, but otherwise, Guardiola has a fully-fit squad at his disposal.
Ake recovered from a hamstring injury to start and score against West Ham and he could continue on the left side of defence, while goalkeeper Stefan Ortega – who was surprisingly handed his Premier League debut at the expense of Ederson in midweek – will be hoping to retain his spot between the sticks.
Guardiola may consider swapping out either Riyad Mahrez or Jack Grealish for Foden, who was last handed a start in the middle of March, while Julian Alvarez is expected to continue in attack with Haaland – who scored twice against Leeds in a 3-1 win at Elland Road earlier this season – if De Bruyne is not fit to feature.
As for Leeds, Luis Sinisterra (ankle), Tyler Adams (hamstring), Stuart Dallas (leg) and Liam Cooper (muscle) all remain sidelined with injuries, while Allardyce has confirmed that a few unspecified players have “niggles” that will be assessed ahead of kickoff.
Goalkeeper Illan Meslier has come under fire in recent weeks, but the 23-year-old could continue between the sticks ahead of Joel Robles, while Allardyce is sure to ponder defensive changes as he attempts to shore up his backline against a rampant City side. Maximilian Wober, Pascal Struijk and Junior Firpo all began on the substitutes’ bench last time out and will be pushing for a recall.
Allardyce was full of praise for Wilfried Gnonto before taking the Leeds job and he will likely hand the Italian teenager a start on the left flank, while top scorer Rodrigo is expected to return to the first XI, either replacing or supporting Patrick Bamford in attack.
Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Ake; Rodri, Gundogan; Foden, Alvarez, Grealish; Haaland
Leeds United possible starting lineup:
Meslier; Ayling, Koch, Wober, Firpo; Roca, McKennie, Forshaw; Summerville, Rodrigo, Gnonto
MORE: Manchester City vs Leeds Live broadcast listings (TV, live streaming)
Manchester City vs Leeds United Prediction
Manchester City have an excellent squad at their disposal and will be intent on extending their lead at the top of the league table. Leeds United have struggled this season and cannot afford another debacle this weekend.
