Leeds vs Man City – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

City have won five straight matches in all competitions. Leeds are six points above the relegation zone, but have lost their last five clashes with City (19 goals conceded).

Leeds Form

Leeds have taken 20 points from their last 14 league matches, with just two losses. A seven-match unbeaten run saw two wins and five draws. Their last seven matches in the league have seen a slight dip with two losses, two wins and three draws. A 4-0 home thrashing by Arsenal saw Leeds register just 0.15 xG.

They produced 2.50 xG in a 3-1 home victory over Nottingham Forest. A 2-2 draw at Chelsea came from 2-0 down as they scored twice from just four shots. Leeds beat Birmingham on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the FA Cup. Their last match yielded a valuable 1-1 draw at Aston Villa as they put up a respectively 14 shots.

Leeds Team News

Leeds’ only confirmed absence is striker Noah Okafor. He injured his hamstring in the FA Cup game and will miss at least one more match.

Dan James is fit again in the attack. Lukas Nmecha is pushing for a start in attack, whilst Sean Longstaff could come into the engine room.

Leeds Motivation

Leeds will try to frustrate City and grind out a point. They’ve avoided defeat against Liverpool, Chelsea and Aston Villa in recent weeks.

Daniel Farke’s side are expected to play a low block with quite a direct style of play.

Man City Form

City have strung together a five-match winning run in all competitions. Their last nine league fixtures have only yielded 16 points, though. After giving up a 2-0 lead to only draw 2-2 at struggling Tottenham, they beat Newcastle 3-1 to progress to the Carabao Cup final.

A chaotic 2-1 win at Liverpool was followed by a convincing 3-0 home win over Fulham. They netted all three goals in the opening 39 minutes. Following a 2-0 win over Salford in the FA Cup, they beat Newcastle 2-1 at home in the league last weekend.  

Man City Team News

Pep Guardiola remains without Josko Gvardiol in defence. Abdukodir Khusanov and John Stones are available but neither is expected to start this match.

Mateo Kovacic is still ruled out in midfield. Both Jeremy Doku and Max Alleyne could be back from injuries to boost the side’s options.

Man City Motivation

City can’t afford to drop any points. They know a win here would ramp up the pressure on Arsenal ahead of a derby against Chelsea.

Pep Guardiola’s team will again look to make a fast start. Once leading, they can control the tempo by keeping possession.

Key Stats

• Leeds have lost their last 5 matches vs Man City (19 goals conceded).
• Leeds have lost just 2 of their last 14 league matches
• Man City have won their last 5 matches in all competitions
• Man City’s Semenyo has scored 9 goals in his last 16 appearances

Verdict

Leeds will make life tough for City. The visitors should win if they can score early.

Best Bet: Man City HT/FT Win at 2.40

Alternate Bet: Man City win and Under 3.5 goals at 2.55

Goalscorer Tip: Semenyo to score anytime at 2.50