Leeds United sit 15th in the Premier League, six points clear of the relegation zone after earning a point from a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa on Saturday.
The Whites have stayed at an arm’s length of the relegation zone, and the weekend’s results further boosted their chances of Premier League survival this season.
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Daniel Farke will now prepare his team to take on a title-chasing Manchester City side at Elland Road next weekend in a game that will have ramifications at both ends of the table.
Pep Guardiola oversaw a big 2-1 win over Newcastle United at the weekend and will now push his Manchester City side to get a result against an in-form Leeds team away from home.
‘Leeds are going to be difficult’ – Pep Guardiola
Manchester City are in the middle of a heated title race as Guardiola’s side look to chase down Arsenal, who are leading the table at the moment.
Leeds host Manchester City at Elland Road next, but Pep Guardiola has urged his players to switch off and enjoy a couple of days’ rest before turning their focus to the trip to West Yorkshire.
He does not want to overwork his players and add to that pressure ahead of a big game next weekend.
The Manchester City boss is aware of the difficulty of the Leeds game, but he does not want his players to feel the stress as they approach the business end of the season.
Guardiola told reporters after the win over Newcastle: “I say to the guys, ‘Take a lot of caipirinhas and daiquiris in these three days, enjoy life’.
“And after that, make a proper three training sessions and go to Leeds. That is the proper way.
“I know how difficult it will be.
“If it doesn’t go well, we keep going, never give up. 10 or 11 games is a lot in the Premier League.”
Man City could be Leeds’ progress barometer
Back in late November, it genuinely felt like Daniel Farke was hanging by a thread. Leeds went into the break 2-0 down against Manchester City at the Etihad, and the pressure around him was growing louder by the minute.
But the Leeds boss made a bold call, switching to a 5-3-2 system — and that tweak has changed the mood entirely. Yes, Phil Foden’s late strike meant Leeds still lost 3-2 that day, but the performance after the break gave them something real to hold on to.
Manchester City vs Leeds United – Match Stats (29 November)
Manchester City badge Manchester City Stat Leeds United Leeds United badge
17 Shots 6
8 Shots on Target 3
63% Possession 37%
526 Passes 304
92% Pass Accuracy 75%
16 Fouls 10
Now, with City heading to Elland Road on Saturday, Leeds have a chance to show just how much progress they’ve made since that difficult afternoon in Manchester.
They’ve been formidable at home, and Guardiola’s title hopefuls won’t be in for an easy ride in West Yorkshire. In fact, Farke’s side could yet play a decisive role in shaping where the Premier League trophy ends up this season.