Manchester City return to the Etihad needing a real pick-up after a rough stretch, and the mood around the club shows it. Their 2-1 defeat to Newcastle was followed by a flat 2-0 loss to Bayer Leverkusen, which SoftFootball covered in detail.
Pep Guardiola admitted he rotated too heavily, and you could feel the frustration in his voice. Leeds also arrive wounded, and SoftFootball recently highlighted their late collapse against Aston Villa. Both sides need a lift, but the stakes feel heavier for Farke’s men.
City sit a handful of points off Arsenal and know they cannot afford another slip. Confidence still exists, though. They have beaten Leeds four times in a row and scored 16 goals in those games, including that 7-0 demolition a few years back.
Leeds, strangely enough, often start matches well, grabbing early goals before fading. It happened against Villa again, and it’s one reason their relegation worries keep growing. They have lost five of their last six games, and with Chelsea and Liverpool up next, tension is starting to show.
Team News
City will be without Rodri, as Guardiola confirmed Rodri is still not ready in the press conference shared on the club’s official X account. Mateo Kovacic will not be available too. Expect a much stronger squad after the Leverkusen gamble.
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Haaland, chasing his 100th Premier League goal, should return to the XI. Leeds miss Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff, while Bornauw will be a late fitness call. Ampadu is one booking away from suspension, which may change how he approaches the midfield battle.
Possible Lineups
Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Bernardo, Gonzalez; Cherki, Foden, Doku; Haaland.
Leeds United (4-3-3): Perri; Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Gudmundsson; Gruev, Ampadu, Tanaka; James, Nmecha, Gnonto.
SoftFootball’s Prediction
City usually respond well after a setback, and with Leeds struggling to hold leads, the pattern looks familiar. Haaland’s return, Foden’s form, and City’s strong Etihad streak should tilt things heavily. SoftFootball gives City the edge, expecting a sharper, calmer performance as they try to close the gap at the top.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-0 Leeds United
