Leeds United vs Manchester City Predictions and Betting Tips
The Elland road is the stage for this highly-promising encounter involving Leeds United and Manchester City. With three other games set to feature on Saturday, this is certainly the one neutral fans will be looking forward to. Will the newly-promoted side best the 2019 league champions at the end of 90 minutes?
This would be the first league meeting between these two since the 03/04 season. They clashed in the domestic cup back in 2014- City running riot with a 4-0 thrashing. Following their escapades in Spain, Marcelo Bielsa has never enjoyed a victory over Pep Guardiola. Both coaches clashed three times, with one of those games ending in a stalemate.
Leeds United on the rise
So far, Bielsa-ball has managed to keep its head afloat in the Premier League. The way Leeds United play is significantly different from your regular newly-promoted side who will preferably sit back and hit on the counter. Also, it is to be noted that Bielsa has the backing of the board with the signing of Llorente and Cuisance from Sociedad and Bayern respectively. Leeds United supporters will be anxious to see what the team has in store for them this season.
The Peacocks made it two wins from their last two games last weekend as they ran out 1-0 winners at Bramall Lane. Patrick Bamford headed in the only goal of the game to help his side to the three points. However, it was Meslier who grabbed the headlines, producing some stunning saves to keep his side in it. How well will the team fare as they welcome the Cityzens on Saturday?
The Cityzens' defensive frailties
Ever since the departure of Vincent Kompany, the Man City defence has been poor. Pep's inability to put his trust in Otamendi and Stones was so evident that Fernandinho had to play as a make-shift centre back for most of the 2019/20 campaign. The Spanish coach, once again, had to splash the cash on a couple of defensive recruitments taking their total cash spent on the back four to 408 million pounds.
Brendan Rodgers and Co. exploited that defence last weekend as they ran out 5-2 winners at the Etihad Stadium. Leicester City was awarded three penalties as Walker, Garcia, and Mendy were all penalized for fouling their opposition in the penalty area. Jamie Vardy, with two penalties, was on the hattrick to take his total goals tally to five this season.
Leeds United vs Man City team News
Pable Hernandez and Kiko Csilla are both sidelined for this one with groin and ankle injuries respectively. Jack Harrison, who is on loan from Man City, is unavailable with the parent club rule in effect. With regards to the away side, Aguero, Gundogan, and Cancelo are still struggling with injuries and will be unavailable for this tie.
Leeds possible starting XI:
Meslier; Ayling, Cooper, Koch, Dallan; Phillips; Harisson, Rodrido, Klich, Cosa; Bamford
Man City possible starting XI:
Ederson; Walker, Ake, Laporte, Mendy; Rodri, De Bruyne, Foden; Silva, Sterling, Torres
Leeds United vs Man City Prediction: 1-3
Some quality football will be on show this Saturday as two geniuses of the game clash head-to-head. On paper, however, City has the better squad but the Peacocks are not a team to be written off. We expect both teams to score this Saturday given their attacking style of play. However, even with their serious defensive issues, we expect the Cityzen to just come out atop.
