Manchester City will lock horns with Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday evening hoping to return to winning ways in the Premier League. The Mancunian outfit bounced back from their 5-2 humbling versus Leicester City last weekend by picking up a 3-0 win away at Burnley in the EFL Cup last 16 in midweek. However, the Whites won’t be an easy test for Man City as they have won back to back matches in the Premier League and are expected to be a formidable force at home.
Pep Guardiola could opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation and might name his strongest team for this weekend’s league clash on the road.
4-2-3-1 Manchester City Predicted Lineup To Face Leeds United
Defence
Ederson will operate in goal for the away team after being rested in the midweek win over the Clarets. Eric Garcia could partner Aymeric Laporte at the centre of Guardiola’s defence as they look to neutralise the threat of Leeds’ Patrick Bamford throughout the 90 minutes.
Kyle Walker will get the nod to start at right-back as he looks to use his pace to make some driving runs down the right-wing. Benjamin Mendy will hope to do the same on the other side as the left-back. His form of late has been poor, so this contest could be another chance for him to give a good account of himself on the left flank.
Midfield
Fernandinho and Rodri will anchor the Man City midfield as they try to establish their dominance by retaining possession well at the centre of the park. The talented trio of Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez will play just ahead of them as part of Guardiola’s attack.
De Bruyne will once again carry most of the creative workload in the opposition half while both Foden and Mahrez look to get their names on the scoresheet when they lace up to face the Leeds defence this weekend.
Bernardo Silva and Tommy Doyle could be available for selection on the bench as they await their opportunity to make an impact in the second half if needed.
Attack
Raheem Sterling will get the responsibility to lead the line for the Mancunian giants up top. The English speedster has to operate as a makeshift centre-forward, so it is only logical for him to try and use his quickness to pull off a few well-timed runs behind the Leeds backline.
Liam Delap is expected to make up the numbers on the bench but could come on as a second-half substitute if Guardiola calls upon his services.
