Chris Sutton has delivered a damning verdict ahead of Leeds United’s game against Manchester City as Daniel Farke fights for his Elland Road future.
The 49ers have backed themselves into a corner at Leeds over the future of Daniel Farke, with their manager now facing a crucial run of fixtures to save his job.
Ahead of Leeds’ game against Nottingham Forest, reports suggested that Farke had five games to save his position at Elland Road, two of which have now passed at the cost of two costly defeats.
Leeds now travel to Manchester City knowing that they have fallen behind Farke’s one point per game target for survival, and knowing that the pressure is building on Farke.
With Farke facing the most difficult run of fixtures this season and the walls closing in around the Leeds boss, Chris Sutton has now delivered a prediction that could spell the end of the under-fire Leeds boss.
What is your prediction for Leeds v Man City:
Daniel Farke greets Pep Guardiola.
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Chris Sutton delivers concerning Man City v Leeds United Prediction
Speaking to BBC Sport, Sutton offered a pessimistic assessment of Leeds’ hopes of claiming an against-the-odds victory at the Etihad Stadium.
No newly-promoted team has won against Manchester City since Stuart Dallas inspired Leeds to a win in April 2021, and Sutton does not believe that record will change this weekend.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
Sutton said: “There is no way I am predicting Leeds to get anything this time. Their home form has been decent, but away they have struggled – and the last time they kept a clean sheet anywhere was the end of August.”
He added: “I don’t see City having any problems here. Playing Leeds at home is a great opportunity for them to get back on track.
This is the game where everyone who does Fantasy Premier League, myself included, is thinking to triple captain Erling Haaland, and he will score a barrel load. 4-0.”
Daniel Farke complains
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Daniel Farke cannot afford an embarrassing Leeds United defeat
12 games into the season, any early momentum that Leeds had put together has well and truly dissipated as Farke stares into the abyss at Leeds.
The loss of Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff through injury is a cruel double blow on the verge of the game, as Farke has to reconfigure his midfield ahead of one of the most daunting away assessments in the league.
Few Leeds fans truly expect a win from the game, which makes it something of a no-lose situation. However, Farke’s side need to show that they are still fighting for their beleaguered head coach.
Daniel Farke shares details of Sean Longstaff’s injury
As a result, this is also a no-win for the Leeds boss. City are capable of dismantling any team in the Premier League on their day, and, in Erling Haaland, they have a striker who could single-handedly dismantle the Leeds defence.
The Leeds fans and board will accept a battling defeat by one or two goals. However, if Leeds sink without a trace to a four or five-goal defeat, or even the seven-goal drubbing Marcelo Bielsa suffered, it could force the 49ers’ hand, with Brendan Rodgers waiting in the wings.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox