Manchester City will aim to consolidate their position at the top of the Premier League table when they entertain Leeds United at the Etihad Stadium today.
The Sky Blues scraped a 1-0 home win over 10-man Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, with Raheem Sterling scoring the game’s solitary goal in the second half from the penalty spot.
Leeds United, on the other hand, suffered an injury-time heartbreak at Chelsea last weekend when a Jorginho penalty condemned them to a 3-2 loss. Yet, they will head to Manchester in a buoyant mood and aim to stun the defending champions.
Manchester City vs Leeds United—Team News
Man City
Ilkay Gundogan was forced off with a back problem in the second half against Wolves, but has recovered in time and will be available for selection. Ferran Torres continues to nurse a metatarsal injury and is not due back until January.
Meanwhile, Joao Cancelo will serve a one game suspension having picked up his fifth league booking of the season against Bruno Lage’s Wolves.
Ederson kept his 100th clean sheet on Saturday against Wolves and he will be determined to shut the shop as quickly as possible in midweek. Joao Cancelo’s suspension means Kyle Walker will replace him at right-back, while Oleksandr Zinchenko should retain his place at left-back. It is unlikely to see Pep Guardiola break the strong centre-back pairing of Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte in Man City’s clash with Leeds.
In midfield, Kevin de Bruyne could be recalled into the starting XI. The Belgian, along with Bernardo Silva and Rodri in midfield, will look to control the tempo of the game and carve open Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
Raheem Sterling scored his 100th Premier League goal with a spot-kick against Wolves on Saturday. He is brimming with confidence at the moment and deserves to keep his place in the starting XI. Following a quick turnover, Guardiola could bring fresh legs to his side by handing starts to Riyad Mahrez and Phil Foden in the Man City attack.
Leeds United
Leeds United’s treatment room is looking busy once again, as Marcelo Bielsa looks to negotiate a busy run of league fixtures. Kalvin Phillips, Patrick Bamford and Liam Cooper are all sidelined with hamstring injuries, while Rodrigo Moreno is nursing a heel problem.
Robin Koch has overcome a pelvic injury but missed the trip to Chelsea due to illness. Pascal Struijk has been struggling with a hip discomfort in recent weeks. However, the Dutch defender was a last-minute withdrawal from the Chelsea fixture with a knee issue and could miss out on the trip to Man City.
Illan Meslier is Leeds’ undisputed first-choice goalkeeper and he will start at the Etihad Stadium. In front of the young Frenchman, a back four of Stuart Dallas, Luke Ayling, Diego Llorente and Junior Firpo are expected to start.
Mateusz Klich could come in midfield on Tuesday, which will give him a chance to redeem himself after conceding the stoppage-time penalty at Stamford Bridge. Adam Forshaw has become a regular fixture in midfield since returning from a long injury layoff and will start against Man City.
Daniel James could be tasked with leading the Whites’ attack, with Jack Harrison and Raphinha operating on the flanks. In the hole behind the striker, Tyler Roberts will look to knit play and try unlocking the rigid Manchester City backline.
Manchester City vs Leeds United—Predicted Lineups
Man City Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): Ederson; Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte, Oleksandr Zinchenko; Kevin de Bruyne, Rodri, Bernardo Silva; Riyad Mahrez, Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden
Leeds United Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Illan Meslier; Stuart Dallas, Luke Ayling, Diego Llorente, Junior Firpo; Mateusz Klich, Adam Forshaw; Raphinha, Jack Harrison, Tyler Roberts; Daniel James
Manchester City vs Leeds United—Key Players
Manchester City – Bernardo Silva
Bernardo Silva is one of the Premier League’s most in-form players at the moment, stepping up his performances and weighing in with seven goals this season. The Portuguese playmaker has been immense for Man City and he will be key in opening up the Leeds backline.
Leeds United—Raphinha
Raphinha has been one of the very few bright sparks in an otherwise mediocre campaign for Leeds so far. The Brazilian can hurt any opponent with his skill-set, on and off the ball, making him the Whites’ most dangerous weapon.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Leeds United
