Leeds United have made a good start to their Premier League campaign, giving champions Liverpool a scare, while narrowly defeating Fulham and Sheffield United. The Whites now have another tough test as they host Manchester City at Elland Road.
It will be a clash between Marcelo Bielsa and Pep Guardiola, two of the most influential managers in world football over the last two decades.
Guardiola has for long admired Bielsa, going as far as calling him the best manager in the world, but on Saturday, the City manager will want to get one over the Leeds boss. The Whites will be buoyed by the fact that City lost their last league game, when they were embarrassed by Leicester City.
Leeds United Team News: Adam Forshaw is a long-term absentee and he will miss the game against City, as will the experienced duo of Pablo Hernandez and Kiko Casilla. Jack Harrison, who is on loan from Manchester City, will also not make the Leeds United lineup.
Let’s take a look at the possible Leeds United lineup for the game against Manchester City:
Illan Meslier had a solid game against Sheffield United, making four saves to keep his first-ever Premier League clean sheet. He should start between the sticks for Leeds against City.
Bielsa played a three-man defence last time around to mirror Sheffield United’s formation, but he should return to a four-man defence against City. New signing Diego Llorente could be an option off the bench for Bielsa.
We could see an unchanged backline of Robin Koch and Liam Cooper in central defence, and Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas at right-back and left-back respectively in the Leeds United lineup.
The absence of Pablo Hernandez will be a big blow for Bielsa. New signing Rodrigo could take up the Hernandez role, playing behind striker Patrick Bamford.
Mateusz Klich and Kalvin Phillips have both looked impressive in the league so far this season, and they are expected to feature in midfield once again.
Jack Harrison has been excellent for Leeds this season and he will be a huge loss for them against City. Ezgjan Alioski is an option for Bielsa, who could also track back to help the defence, while Helder Costa should play on the right.
Patrick Bamford has surprised everyone this season, scoring three goals in the three games that he has played in. He should start up front for Leeds against Manchester City.
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