Manchester City will look to reclaim the second spot when they visit a Leeds United side seeking to stay relevant.
Leeds United are set to resume Premier League action but have the unenviable task of hosting champions Manchester City. The Yorkshire club last beat a reigning Premier League champion in 1999. And Pep Guardiola’s side pose a different challenge at Elland Road.
Crysencio Summerville was the ultimate hero of dreams for Leeds fans before the break after back-to-back stoppage-time winners against Liverpool and Bournemouth. As the momentum was building for Jesse Marsch’s side, they suffered a morale-sapping defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, who had to climb back into the clash.
Marsch will take confidence from his team’s form during the World Cup-enforced break. Two wins and a loss during this period had Leeds working well. But the Man City clash is very important for them to stay relevant in the league. The Whites are currently languishing in 15th place, and any more slip-ups would commence talk of a relegation dogfight.
With most Premier League sides playing their first games after the break, Manchester City find themselves pushed into the third spot following Newcastle United’s win over Leicester City. Additionally, Arsenal’s win over West Ham United increased the gap at the top to eight points. Hence, a win is key for the reigning champions to regain the second spot.
Manchester City have played two fewer games than Newcastle United. But any dropped points would get a harsh reaction from Guardiola. The Catalan tactician will have seen confident signs from his team following an energetic win over Liverpool in the EFL Cup, ensuring they reached the Last Eight of the tournament.
Guardiola is aware of the stuttering form his team suffered before the break. He would want a consistent streak of results to have any chance of maintaining momentum, especially in the games leading into the New Year. In January, Manchester City face some tough opponents, so collecting maximum points now is crucial.
Team News & Tactics
Leeds United
🎙 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀: “Yesterday, we didn’t have a bunch of players due to injury and illness. Klich and a few others were sick, but we’re hopeful that everyone can be back in training this week, with the exception of Stuart and Luis.” pic.twitter.com/jJcrmpmd0x
— Leeds United (@LUFC) December 22, 2022
Jessue Marsch will rue the timing of the clash, considering the humongous list of potential absentees he has before the game. As many as twelve players could miss out on the home clash with Manchester City. Tyler Adams is the only one absent due to a suspension, but the rest are all injury doubts.
Illan Meslier is fighting a glandular fever. If the French goalkeeper does not make it, then Kristoffer Klaesson will make only his second Premier League appearance for Leeds against Manchester City.
Marsch could bring Sam Greenwood into the picture and partner him with Marc Roca in central midfield. The manager is unlikely to change his team’s shape despite the many absentees. Rodrigo could still pass the fitness test. So the Spaniard might lead the line in the potential absence of Patrick Bamford.
Summerville is also doubtful, but Leeds are hopeful of the forward making the clash, and he could start on the left side of the attack. Brenden Aaronson, who, surprisingly, featured sporadically for the USMNT at the World Cup, will start in the attacking midfield role, with Wilfried Gnonto on the right.
Marsch may have his usual setup at the back, provided some of his key stars are fit. Liam Cooper is also listed as doubtful but could be available as his problem is hopefully minor. He will have Robin Koch as central defensive partner, while Rasmus Kristensen and Pascal Struijk will take up their full-back roles.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Meslier; Kristensen, Koch, Cooper, Struijk; Greenwood, Roca; Gnonto, Aaronson, Summerville; Rodrigo
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola will assess his side before the Leeds clash and make the right selection. Fortunately, there are not many post-World Cup-related problems in his squad. Only Ruben Dias is suffering from an injury he picked while on Portugal duty.
World Cup winner Julian Alvarez is currently enjoying his break and will remain out of this contest. Guardiola’s harsh comments on Kalvin Phillips’s fitness and shape following his role with England certainly rule out the English midfielder from an eventful return to former side Leeds United.
Guardiola will ring the changes to the side that beat Liverpool in the EFL Cup. Hence, Ederson Moraes, Kyle Walker, Joao Cancelo and Bernardo Silva will likely return to the team. The manager will also decide between Phil Foden and Jack Grealish for the left-hand side berth, with the former likely to get the nod.
Erling Haaland, rested during the World Cup break and fresh from scoring against Liverpool, will inevitably lead the line for Manchester City. Beyond that, the rest of the team picks itself as many of the regular first-teamers will start for Manchester City against Leeds United.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Ederson; Walker, Stones, Laporte, Cancelo; De Bruyne, Rodri, Gundogan; Silva, Haaland, Foden
Key Stats
- Leeds United have scored at least two goals in their last four matches in the Premier League.
- Leeds United have only won five of their 17 games at Elland Road this calendar year.
- Leeds United last beat a reigning Premier League champions on home soil in 1999.
- Manchester City scored 11 goals against Leeds across their two fixtures last season.
- Manchester City now trail league leaders Arsenal by eight points heading into Elland Road.
Player to Watch
Erling Haaland
💇♂️ pic.twitter.com/snGPDdoaFY
— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 26, 2022
Some stories are inevitable, and Haaland returning to Yorkshire, where he was born, to potentially dampen the festive mood is right at the top. The Norwegian striker warmed his scoring boots only 10 minutes into the fixture against Liverpool and will remain hungry for more.
Leeds United are vulnerable to leaking goals, and Haaland certainly loves such a prospect. The forward was unconvincing in the last few games before the break and will want to continue his scoring run against the Yorkshire side. He will remain the player in focus, with his goals likely to help Manchester City reclaim the second spot in the league.
Prediction
Leeds United 1-3 Manchester City
Manchester City could score one or two more goals than our prediction suggests, considering they looked sharp against Liverpool. Any signs of complacency got banished against Liverpool. And Pep Guardiola will be keen to see his side flourish upon their return to the Premier League.
With their long list of potential absentees, Leeds United may find it tough going against Guardiola’s side. Manchester City can punish opponents and may continue their recent prolific form against Marsch’s side. The Catalan manager will certainly want his team to start scoring plenty of goals and catching up with Arsenal at the top.