Leeds United travel to league leaders Manchester City, in what will be an early kick-off on Saturday.
In the reverse fixture earlier in the season, Leeds kept City at bay and took away a point in the 1-1 draw. Pep Guardiola’s men are now, though, in imperious form, having lost only twice since the two sides’ meeting earlier in the season.
Marcelo Bielsa’s men have won their last two matches – first against Fulham and then Sheffield United, and drew their game against Chelsea before that. The Whites could prove to be a stern test for City and could push the leaders right up to the final minute.
Let’s take a look at the possible Leeds United lineup for the game against Manchester City:
Team News
Leeds United may have just two of their first-team players missing for the game against City. Long-term absentee Adam Forshaw will not be available, while Jack Harrison will be ineligible as Manchester City are his parent club.
Predicted Leeds United lineup vs Manchester City (4-1-4-1)
Goalkeeper
Illan Meslier should start in goal for Leeds United against Manchester City.
Meslier will be a busy man between the sticks as City could have a lot of the ball and take several shots on goal.
Defence
Marcelo Bielsa should have all his central defenders available for selection against City.
Captain Liam Cooper, Robin Koch, Diego Llorente, and youngster Pascal Struijk are the defenders that Bielsa can choose from. Cooper and Llorente started last time around against Sheffield United and the duo should start once again in the Leeds United lineup.
Ezgjan Alioski has had a run of games at left-back and he could retain his place, while Luke Ayling will start on the opposite side at right-back.
Midfield
Kalvin Phillips has been Bielsa’s most-trusted midfielder, and he should start in the defensive midfield role.
The Leeds United manager has a tough choice to make ahead of Phillips in the Leeds midfield.
The likes of Stuart Dallas, Tyler Roberts, Mateusz Klich and Pablo Hernandez are vying for those two spots. Dallas and Roberts have started in the last few games and they should retain their places in the Leeds United lineup.
Attack
Raphinha has been sensational for Leeds since signing for them last summer and the Brazilian should start on the right side for the Whites.
On the opposite flank, the absence of Jack Harrison will be a big miss for Leeds. Helder Costa should start in place of Harrison, while Patrick Bamford should lead the Leeds United lineup on Saturday.
