Verdict: Manchester City to score in both halves
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Unibet
Turning their attention back to Premier League duties this weekend, Manchester City will make the trip to Elland Road on Saturday evening.
Leeds
Starting with the hosts, while fans around Elland Road might have been left heartbroken after watching Marcelo Bielsa leave Yorkshire earlier in the year, they are in the midst of a recent purple patch. Last seen on Monday night when picking up a hard-fought 0-0 stalemate away at Crystal Palace, new boss Jesse Marsch does appear to have made an immediate impact. Although the Whites might still find themselves looking over their shoulder at the drop zone, they are sat in pole position to extend on their Premier League status this season. On a run that is highlighted by a remarkable 3-2 turnaround victory at European outsiders Wolves prior to March’s international break, Leeds are enjoying a five-match unbeaten run. However, despite showing a string of improvements at both ends of the pitch, they should be worried by their most recent meeting against the Premier League leaders. When making the trip to the Etihad back on December 14th, they were hit with a dreadful 7-0 drumming.
Team News
Returning from injury earlier in the month, England international Kalvin Phillips should once again start on Saturday evening.
However, Marsch looks set to be without the trio of Patrick Bamford, Adam Forshaw and Tyler Roberts this weekend.
Manchester City
As for the visitors, while Manchester City might have managed to pick up a remarkable first-leg advantage on Tuesday night, the Sky Blues will be feeling like they missed out on a chance. Eventually claiming an action-packed 4-3 win at home against Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid, Pep Guardiola’s side still have their sights set on claiming a first domestic and European double this season. Making the trip to Elland Road this weekend still holding a one-point buffer at the top of the table, the former Bayern Munich boss has seen his side find a real clinical edge in the final third. Appearing to have bounced back from their FA Cup defeat at the hands of Liverpool on April 16th, City have bagged themselves 12 goals in just their last three outings. Looking to lay down another marker at Elland Road, it should be noted that Guardiola’s side have continued to shine on the road. On a run that stems all the way back to the start of December, the Sky Blues have lost just one of their last 14 matchups away from the Etihad.
Team News
Limping off against Real Madrid earlier in the week, it appears that John Stones could join fellow England international Kyle Walker on the sidelines.
However, despite serving a Champions League suspension in midweek, Joao Cancelo is expected to make his return at Elland Road.
Key Factors to Consider
- When the two sides faced off at the Etihad on December 14th, Manchester City picked up a 7-0 romp.
- Likewise, the Sky Blues have bagged 12 strikes in just their last three matchups across all formats.
- Leeds are in the midst of a five-match Premier League unbeaten run.
- However, Saturday’s hosts have managed to win just one of their previous six contests at Elland Road.
- Manchester City have lost just one of their previous 14 matchups away from the Etihad.
Conclusion
Eventually managing to pick up an action-packed 4-3 victory against Real Madrid earlier in the week, Manchester City will be desperate to avoid a banana skin here. Enjoying a real flurry in the final third and still holding a one-point buffer over Liverpool, Saturday’s guests have continued to shine away from the Etihad this season. While Leeds might be in the midst of their own eye-catching unbeaten run, there is no doubt that the relegation outsiders will face a stern test here. Suffering a woeful 7-0 drumming when the two sides faced off back in December, we’re backing a fairly routine away victory for Guardiola’s squad here.
Verdict: Manchester City to score in both halves
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Unibet
