Manchester City vs Leeds preview, team news, probable line-ups: Can the Whites slow down Guardiola's men?

PREMIER LEAGUE Manchester City vs Leeds preview, team news, probable line-ups: Can the Whites slow down Guardiola's men?

Kiplagat Sang 08:52 - 06.05.2023

The Premier League leaders need four wins in five matches to seal a fifth title in six years

Manchester City have another chance to extend their lead at the top when they host Leeds United on Saturday.

City are a point ahead of Arsenal, and a home win will see the gap extended to four with as many games remaining in the season.

On the other hand, Leeds, 17th on the table, are just outside the relegation zone on goal difference. With the appointment of Sam Allardyce, they hope to beat the odds and maintain their Premier League status.

But playing at the Etihad, against a City side whose confidence is sky high, is expected to be a tough outing for them.

Team News

Pep Guardiola has a fully fit squad, and Ederson – who was benched during their match against West Ham United – is expected to take the gloves back from Ortega Moreno.

Kevin De Bruyne was not engaged in the last two matches, and it is unlikely the Belgian will start this one too. He could be rested, keeping in mind that City have another big duel against Real Madrid in the Champions League in three days.

For Leeds, Luis Sinisterra (ankle), Tyler Adams (hamstring), Stuart Dallas (leg), and Liam Cooper (muscle) are not available.

What are the stats saying?

Manchester City have won nine consecutive league matches and require 12 points from their final five fixtures to win their third title in a row and their fifth in six seasons.

City have suffered just two defeats in their last 60 Premier League matches that have kicked off at 5pm on a Saturday (W50, D8), with both coming against Crystal Palace.

Erling Haaland has set a new record for the most goals scored in a Premier League season, with his total of 35 surpassing the previous mark of 34 set by Andrew Cole and Alan Shearer (both of whom did so in 42-match seasons).

Allardyce extends his own record by taking charge of a ninth different team in the Premier League. He's won his first league game in charge at five of his previous eight clubs.

Having lost this fixture 7-0 last season, Leeds are looking to avoid successive away defeats to Manchester City for the first time since 1992.

Probable lineups:

Manchester City: Ederson, Walker, Stones, Dias, Ake, Rodri, Gundogan, Foden, Alvarez, Grealish; Haaland.

Leeds United: Meslier, Ayling, Koch, Wober, Firpo; Roca, McKennie, Forshaw, Summerville, Rodrigo, Gnonto.