Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Looking to keep their Premier League title charge alive on Saturday evening, Manchester City will travel to Elland Road when they meet Leeds.
Leeds United
Starting with the hosts, while Leeds might have opened up the New Year facing a real battle in the race to avoid an immediate Championship return, Daniel Farke’s men have made a string of improvements over the past month. Despite suffering late frustration away at Aston Villa last weekend as they eventually had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate in the Midlands, the former Norwich boss has seen his squad gain a string of plaudits. Extending on their FA Cup adventure on February 15th as they edged past Championship high-flyers Birmingham, Leeds have suffered just a pair of defeats from any of their previous 16 consecutive appearances across all competitions – a purple patch that stems all the way back to November 29th. Despite facing what looks set to be a stern examination at Elland Road on Saturday evening, Farke’s side will be confident of asking some serious questions.
Leeds United Team News
Sustaining a hamstring injury during Leeds’ FA Cup victory away at Birmingham earlier in the month, Leeds have confirmed that Noah Okafor will once again miss out here. However, aside from the Swiss international, Farke’s side have reported a clean bill of health.
While Dominic Calvert-Lewin might have recorded just a single strike in his last six outings, the former Everton striker will spearhead Leeds’ charge. Reestablishing himself as Farke’s number one choice, Wales international Karl Darlow will start between the sticks.
Manchester City
As for the visitors, while Manchester City might have been frustrated last weekend as they saw Arsenal storm their way to north London bragging rights, Pep Guardiola’s men are enjoying what has become an extended purple patch. Last seen securing a 2-1 victory at home against Newcastle, the Sky Blues have reignited their title charge and they will know the importance of making another statement here. Mounting an iconic comeback away at bitter rivals Liverpool on February 8th as they secured another 2-1 win at Anfield, Man City are unbeaten in all of their previous eight appearances across all competitions (seven wins, one draw). It should also be highlighted, Saturday’s guests have won their last two Premier League trips to Elland Road by an aggregate score of 7-1. Despite facing what could be a potential banana skin in Yorkshire, Guardiola’s side are rightfully installed as a standout contender.
Manchester City Team News
Undergoing surgery on a leg fracture he sustained last month, Manchester City will once again be without Croatian international Josko Gvardiol. Likewise, not featuring over the past month, former Rennes starlet Jeremy Doku is still dealing with a recent calf issue.
Bagging both goals during City’s 2-1 victory against Newcastle last week, academy graduate and England international Nico O’Reilly should once again be deployed in a more advanced role. Making a real impact since arriving from Crystal Palace last month, Marc Guehi will start at the heart of Guardiola’s defence.
Leeds United vs Manchester City Key Factors to Consider
- When Leeds and Manchester City met for their reverse Premier League showdown on November 29th, the Sky Blues claimed a thrilling 3-2 victory on home soil.
- Guardiola’s side have won their previous two Premier League trips to Elland Road by an aggregate score of 7-1.
- Man City are unbeaten in all of their previous eight appearances across all competitions (seven wins, one draw).
- Leeds have suffered just a pair of defeats from any of their previous 16 consecutive appearances across all competitions – a purple patch that stems all the way back to November 29th.
- Eight of the last nine meetings between Leeds and Manchester City have finished with over 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
Desperate to keep their Premier League title dreams alive on Saturday evening, Manchester City face what is another must-win showdown here. Although Leeds might have continued to impress since opening the New Year, Farke’s side will be more than aware that they face a stern examination at Elland Road. Watching City win their previous two Premier League trips to Yorkshire by an aggregate score of 7-1, Saturday’s opponents also have a habit of producing plenty of fireworks when they meet.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Olympusbet