Manchester City will look to extend their lead at the top of the table when they take on mid-table Leeds United in a lunchtime kickoff on Saturday. Pep Guardiola’s side are fresh off a late victory against Borussia Dortmund and will look to rest some of their key players for the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.
Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds, on the other hand, have had the entire week free to prepare for matchweek 31 of the Premier League. The Whites are currently eleventh-placed in the league table and have the opportunity to climb into the top half before Arsenal and Aston Villa play their games.
WHEN & WHERE:
Time: 12:30 PM (BST)
Date: Saturday, 10th April
Where: Etihad Stadium, Manchester.
RECENT FORM:
Manchester City’s recent Premier League form (W-W-W-L-W):
The Sky Blues’ 2-0 defeat in March’s Manchester Derby is the only time they’ve dropped points in the league since the start of the new year. They’ve looked unassailable in almost every single game, tiring their opponents out with constant intensity while attacking and defending. City’s impressive squad depth has massively benefited them in times when injuries seem to be never-ending.
Leeds United’s recent Premier League form (W-W-D-L-L):
Leeds have received praise from all corners of the footballing world for their exciting style of play. For the neutral eye, Bielsa’s side is the one to watch out for every weekend. Their entertaining methods have caused a topsy-turvy season for themselves, with a relentless flow of goals on either side of the pitch. Consecutive victories over Fulham and Sheffield United will give them confidence going into the game against Guardiola’s incredible team.
LAST TIME OUT:
The two sides faced each other at Elland Road as early as matchweek 2 in October. It was a cracker of a contest where both sides put their foot on the pedal from minute 1. The visitors took the lead early in the second half through a trademark Raheem Sterling goal. The winger cut in and finished into the bottom corner. From then on though, Leeds took charge of the game and were eventually rewarded for their hard work when Ederson dropped a corner straight into the path of Rodrigo, who finished from close-range.
TEAM NEWS:
Manchester City Team News:
City will have their whole squad ready for the game. Sergio Aguero’s recent return to the squad means that they will have an additional option to use as a striker.
Leeds United Team News:
Jack Harrison, who is on loan from Manchester City, will be ineligible to face his parent club. Apart from him, Adam Forshaw will also miss out owing to his hip injury.
PREDICTED LINEUPS
Manchester City Predicted XI vs Leeds United (4-2-3-1): Ederson, Joao Cancelo, John Stones, Ruben Dias, Benjamin Mendy, Rodri, Fernandinho, Raheem Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne, Ferran Torres, Sergio Aguero.
Leeds United Predicted XI vs Manchester City (4-1-4-1): Illan Meslier, Luke Ayling, Diego Llorente, Liam Cooper, Ezgjan Alioski, Kalvin Phillips, Rafinha, Stuart Dallas, Mateusz Klich, Tyler Roberts, Patrick Bamford.
PREDICTION:
Manchester City vs Leeds United – 2:1
