Marcelo Bielsa vs Pep Guardiola; Leeds United vs Manchester City; a fixture that could give us a lot of goals and some exhilarating attacking football on Saturday is perhaps the game to watch out for on Matchweek four of the Premier League.
Both teams have had contrasting fortunes so far this season in the league; while Leeds have started well and have picked up two wins in three games, Manchester City have looked anything but their usual self under Guardiola.
It’s tough to say whether the 5-2 collapse against Leicester City last Saturday was due to fitness or the absence of some key players or just the inability to match Brendan Rodgers’ side’s aggression. But if they are to move forward this season, just quality and tactics will not be enough.
Bielsa’s side are perhaps the embodiment of aggression and good tactics, and they showed that against Liverpool. The way the Whites hounded and harassed the reigning champions was a sight to behold for the fans and most neutrals, and they could do the same to a shaky Manchester City defence.
Leeds United vs Manchester City – Team News and Predicted Lineups
Leeds have strengthened their squad this summer, but the new signings are yet to really impress for the Whites. Rodrigo and Robin Koch are expected to start for the side, while Gianni Alioski could feature on the flank as Jack Harrison is not eligible to face his parent club.
Leeds United predicted Lineup: Meslier; Dallas, Cooper, Koch, Ayling; Phillips, Klich, Rodrigo, Alioski, Costa; Bamford
Manchester City have signed Ruben Dias for big money, but the Portuguese is not expected to feature on Saturday. Aymeric Laporte’s presence should make them more solid at the back. Guardiola will have to use Raheem Sterling upfront once again as Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero are unavailable.
Manchester City predicted lineup: Ederson; Mendy, Laporte, Garcia, Walker; Rodri, Fernandinho, De Bruyne, Mahrez, Foden; Sterling
Leeds United vs Man City – Key Players
Leeds United – Kalvin Phillips
The ‘Yorkshire Pirlo’ will have to on top of his game for the visit of Manchester City. While his positioning and ability to win the ball against the likes of De Bruyne and Mahrez will be key, his distribution to set-up Leeds on the transition could decide the game. If he can stamp his authority on the game and pick out the likes of Alioski and Costa with his passes, Leeds might exploit City’s weak defending.
Manchester City – Aymeric Laporte
Yes, De Bruyne will be important, but Laporte is expected to galvanise that City defence which looked mediocre at times against Leicester City. Laporte is calm in the ball, and sets the tone with his distribution and passing from the back, while his defending is also clean unlike the rest of the players who were too naïve last weekend and gave away clumsy penalties.
Leeds United vs Man City – Live Streams and Prediction
We expect an end to end and entertaining game, and Leeds have what it takes to test the former Premier League champions. A 3-3 draw? Yes. Bring on the goals!
Where can you watch the game? In the UK, on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event. In the Indian subcontinent, on Hotstar.