Manchester City FC
Leeds United
Leeds United
Manchester City likely to rotate squad once more for their Leeds fixture
Manchester City to win 3-1
Manchester City’s quest for a record quadruple is still alive after a hard-fought win over Borussia Dortmund in midweek, taking a 2-1 lead into their Champions League quarter final second leg next week.
As Pep Guardiola has done all season, players were rotated in and out for that match, with the likes of Sterling and Aguero dropping to the bench. With another huge week coming up, we can expect more changes here.
As far as the Premier League is concerned, it’s just a matter of time before they are crowned champions, holding a 14-point lead over Manchester United.
Leeds have built up a bit of steam heading into this one, having won their last two on the bounce to draw them level with Arsenal in 10th place. A win here could push them as high as 9th, if results for other sides go in their favour.
This should be an entertaining game.
Form Guide (all comps): WWWWW
Reasons to be cheerful:
Wins in the league, Champions League and FA Cup recently show great form
Have the league’s best home record, with 38 points from 16 games
Reasons to be fearful:
Will change the team once again, which could cause complacency
Leeds are in a good vein of form right now
It has appeared now for some time that Guardiola can select whichever starting XI he wants from his brilliant squad, and the result is the same. Often rotating his wingers and strikers, it keeps his players fresh and motivated, without taking away any quality from the side.
Here, the likes of Sterling and Aguero, Jesus and Mendy, who all sat out the Champions League game in midweek, could well return.
This has the potential to cause complacency in the team, but we’ve all seen how motivated these players appear to be. With a 14-point lead, they have earned the right to take one or two chances.
It’ll be interesting to see how they play against a team who also like to press forward and create chances, rather than sitting back.
Star Man – Raheem Sterling
Hasn’t scored in his last three league games, and will have been disappointed to miss out in midweek, but he could come back into the side here to great effect.
Form Guide (all comps): LLDWW
Reasons to be cheerful:
Two wins on the bounce has boosted top half hopes
As good a chance of getting a result from City as ever, with their attentions elsewhere
Reasons to be fearful:
Haven’t won three on the bounce all season
Their open style of play could lead them into trouble
Leeds can be a wonderfully fluent side when at their best, playing with great pace and attacking intent.
Unfortunately, against Manchester City, that’s a tactic which may not work too well, with the league leaders so adept at creating space for goalscoring opportunities.
However, Leeds are coming into this one off the back of two wins – the fourth time they’ve gained back-to-back victories this season – and will feel confident about creating chances of their own, particularly through the likes of Bamford and Raphinha.
Their incentive is to potentially move into the top half of the table, should Arsenal and Aston Villa drop points, and they’ll head to Manchester with the intention of winning this one.
Star Man – Raphinha
Scored and assisted in Leeds’ last two victories and, alongside striker Bamford, is Leeds’ most creative player.
Leeds will be positive but may not see much of the ball
City will make changes but remain strong
Could be goals at both ends
With Manchester United playing Tottenham this weekend, there is the possibility that City could be 17 points clear should they win here.
They are certainly favourites to do so, even if they do make changes to their starting line-up. Leeds have the quality up front to cause them problems, but even if they do score, you’d back City to out-match them.
Manchester City to win 3-1
