Leeds United vs. Man City Lineups: How the Teams Could Line Up Today
Leeds United and Manchester City will face each other in a Premier League clash at Elland Road today, with both teams looking to bounce back from disappointing results in their previous games.
Leeds lost 4-1 to Bournemouth on Sunday, while City were held to a 1-1 draw by West Ham United on Tuesday.
Here is how the teams could line up today, based on the latest news and stats.
Leeds United
Leeds manager Sam Allardyce is expected to make some changes to his starting XI, after criticising his players for their lackluster performance against Bournemouth.
He could drop goalkeeper Illan Meslier, who has conceded 14 goals in his last four games and replace him with Joel Robles, who made his debut for the club in the Carabao Cup last week.
In defense, Pascal Struijk could return from suspension and partner Maxence Lacroix at center-back, with Luke Ayling and Junior Firpo as the full-backs.
In midfield, Adam Forshaw and Marc Roca could keep their places, with Weston McKennie providing some energy and drive.
On the wings, Crysencio Summerville and Jack Harrison could offer some pace and creativity, while Patrick Bamford could lead the line as the lone striker.
Leeds United predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Robles; Ayling, Struijk, Lacroix, Firpo; Forshaw, Roca; Summerville, McKennie, Harrison; Bamford.
Manchester City
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola could also rotate his squad, after admitting that some of his players were tired after the World Cup break.
He could rest Ederson and give Scott Carson a rare start in goal, while also bringing in Kyle Walker, Aymeric Laporte, and Nathan Ake for Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, and John Stones in defense.
In midfield, Rodri could anchor the trio, with Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva as the advanced playmakers.
In attack, Riyad Mahrez and Phil Foden could flank Erling Haaland, who is looking to add to his 20 goals in 14 Premier League games this season.
Manchester City predicted lineup (4-3-3): Carson; Walker, Laporte, Ake, Zinchenko; Rodri, De Bruyne, Bernardo; Mahrez, Haaland, Foden.
Stats
Leeds have lost their last seven Premier League games against Manchester City, conceding 20 goals and scoring just two in that run.
Manchester City have won their last 10 away Premier League games by an aggregate score of 25-32.
They are one win away from equalling the record of 11 consecutive away wins in the competition set by Chelsea in 2008.
Leeds have conceded 41 goals in their 18 Premier League games this season – only Norwich (42) have conceded more.
They have also kept just one clean sheet in their last 12 league games.
Manchester City’s Erling Haaland became the fastest player to reach 20 Premier League goals in his 14th appearance in the competition against West Ham on Tuesday.
He has scored 10 goals in his last six league games.
Leeds has scored just four goals in their last eight Premier League games. Only Norwich (three) scored fewer in that period.
Prediction
Manchester City is the clear favorite to win this game, given their superior form and quality.
Leeds will try to make it difficult for them with their high-intensity style, but they are likely to struggle defensively against City’s potent attack.
Haaland could be the difference-maker once again for the visitors, who should secure a comfortable victory.
Prediction: Leeds United 0-3 Manchester City
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