The Premier League chugs along and brings us to another fascinating Saturday evening clash with Leeds United hosting Manchester City at Elland Road (kick off 5.30pm).
Leeds have started this season in excellent form, carrying on from last season when they lifted the Championship title.
Marcelo Bielsa is one of the most respected coaches in world football and he comes up against one of his protege’s, Pep Guardiola.
Bielsa has seen his team scare the life out of Liverpool, losing 4-3 on the opening day to a late penalty before beating Fulham and Sheffield United.
Guardiola has ambitions to regain the Premier League title after Liverpool’s sparkling success last term but it has been a mixed bag so far with an impressive win 3-1 at Wolves followed by a 5-2 mauling at the hands of Leicester.
This is a vitally important match for both sides and it should make for compelling viewing this weekend.
Leeds vs Manchester City Predictions
Both these sides harbour different aspirations for the season. Leeds’ main aim is to stay in the Premier League, but if the first three games are anything to go by they look better than a team fighting for survival.
City need success in the Premier League and Champions League. Those are the ambitions for the Sky Blues this campaign. The big area of weakness for Guardiola is the defence.
However, he has made a crucial signing with Ruben Dias joining from Benfica earlier this week. He could be the long-awaited replacement for Vincent Kompany with his leadership qualities.
That is something that City have sorely lacked since Kompany left and this could give them a real boost as goals have never been hard to come by.
With that in mind, we expect City to bag a few goals but they will have to be wary of the likes of Patrick Bamford and Jack Harrison who have been in great form for Leeds.
Leeds vs Manchester City Betting Tips
- Correct score – 1:3 – 10/1
- First goalscorer – Raheem Sterling – 10/3
- Man City win and both teams to score – 11/10
Leeds vs Manchester City Head to Head
- The two teams haven’t met for seven years, with City winning the last meeting 4-0.
- Leeds haven’t won away at City for nearly 20 years.
- Guardiola and Bielsa have faced each other three times, with Guardiola winning two and one draw.
Leeds Team News
Bielsa should have a fully-fit squad to choose from as his side make the short journey across the Pennines to face City. The only injury update is Adam Forshaw has had a setback in his recovery from injury.
Possible team: Ilian Meslier, Luke Ayling, Robin Koch, Liam Cooper, Kalvin Phillips, Helder Costa, Jack Harrison, Mateusz Klich, Stuart Dallas, Tyler Roberts, Patrick Bamford.
Manchester City Team News
City have a few key players out for this crunch contest. Gabriel Jesus is out for a month, paving the way for Liam Delap to make his first start in the league. Bernardo Silva is out for a couple of weeks and he joins Ilkay Gundogan and John Stones on the sideline,. However, Aymeric Laporte is likely to return and Ruben Dias could make his debut.
Possible team: Ederson, Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, Benjamin Mendy, Rodri, Fernandinho, Kevin de Bruyne, Raheem Sterling, Liam Delap, Riyad Mahrez.
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