Leeds v Manchester City predictions: Citizens to stamp their authority

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Leeds v Manchester City Premier League on Saturday.

Where to watch

Live on Sky Sports Main Event & Premier League, 5.30pm Saturday

Best bet

Manchester City -1 goal on handicap
1pt 4-5 general

Team news

Leeds
Patrick Bamford, Adam Forshaw and Tyler Roberts remain out.

Manchester City
Kyle Walker and John Stones are both out but Joao Cancelo is available after missing the win over Real Madrid through suspension.

Match preview

Manchester City’s Premier League destiny is in their own hands and they can ensure they finish the weekend where they started it with a convincing victory at Leeds.

The Citizens put on an attacking masterclass as they prevailed in a seven-goal thriller at home to Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final first leg on Tuesday.

However, things may be less frantic at Elland Road, with Pep Guardiola’s title-chasers looking anxiously over their shoulders, and a more patient approach may be adopted.

Leeds have put some breathing space between themselves and the relegation places following a five-game unbeaten sequence.

But there is still work to be done before they are guaranteed Premier League survival and it will take more than wins over Norwich, Wolves and Watford, plus draws with Southampton and Crystal Palace, to believe they can mix it with all-conquering City.

Jesse Marsch’s appointment has certainly triggered an upturn in fortunes for Leeds but they offered little attacking threat in Monday’s goalless draw at Crystal Palace and are going to find a steely City defence tougher to breach.

The hosts are unlikely to endure a repeat of the 7-0 hiding they suffered at the Etihad in the final months of Marcelo Bielsa’s reign but they may still not have much joy in front of goal, particularly with focal point Patrick Bamford still sidelined.

Guardiola’s men have won 12 of their 16 away league games this season and have conceded only eight goals in that period, two of which came in a 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield.

City have kept clean sheets in seven of their last eight away matches in all competitions and Wednesday’s return trip to the Bernabeu may be in the forefront of their minds.

Such great strength in depth means whatever starting line-up Guardiola deploys it is going to be a strong one and they should have enough in reserve to get over the line with a little to spare.

Not only have City been efficient in sweeping aside the Premier League’s lesser lights but Leeds have struggled to raise their game when facing the division's elite, losing all nine meetings with top-six sides this season.

They have conceded 38 goals in those nine reverses – an average of more than four per game – so may be fearing the worst against City’s array of attacking stars.

An away win to nil is tempting but taking the classy Citizens to win by at least two clear goals may be the safest investment.

Key stat

Six of Manchester City’s last seven Premier League wins have been by two or more goals.

Inside info

Leeds

Penalty taker Raphinha
Free-kick wizard Raphinha
Set-piece aerial threat Liam Cooper
Card magnet Rodrigo

Manchester City

Penalty taker Kevin De Bruyne/Riyad Mahrez
Free-kick wizard Kevin De Bruyne
Set-piece aerial threat Ruben Dias
Card magnet Joao Cancelo

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