It's been more than three years since Erling Haaland last played at Elland Road, having not scored in his last two games vs Leeds United
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
05:00, 27 Feb 2026
Erling Haaland gives the Leeds salute in November's reverse fixture
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Erling Haaland gives the Leeds salute in November's reverse fixture(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
The epiphany at the Etihad Stadium back in November is still bearing fruit for Leeds United today - the half-time switch to a back three changed their season and perhaps saved Daniel Farke’s job.
Pep Guardiola is described by Farke as the best manager in world football, the pair holding a great relationship. Yet it was the German who arguably produced the biggest masterstroke that day.
Leeds have lost just twice since that fixture - the heartbreaking 4-3 defeat to Newcastle United that should have never been a defeat and the home loss to title favourites Arsenal. Their rivals, Manchester City, will be the last current top-three club Leeds face this season.
This time against the Blues, Farke will be starting the game with the back three and with his strongest centre-back trio at that, in Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk.
They will all need to be on song against a Man City side which has not lost a Premier League game since January 17.
Striker selection
Dominic Calvert-Lewin changed the game in the reverse fixture when he came on at half-time, linking up with starter Lukas Nmecha finely. His goal and penalty win drew Leeds back to 2-2, after Nmecha put in the rebound of the spot kick.
Calvert-Lewin will undoubtedly start this weekend but Nmecha might not, despite their partnership at the Etihad Stadium. The two strikers have not started a game together since the subsequent 3-1 win over Chelsea back in December.
Noah Okafor being sidelined means Nmecha’s chances of reprising his partnership with Calvert-Lewin are boosted yet Farke may decide that Leeds need legs against the ball and go with his trend of sticking Brenden Aaronson up top.
It’s not what Leeds fans would wish to see, not because of anything Aaronson has or hasn't done, but more because of how well Nmecha - who has three goals in four appearances - and Calvert-Lewin worked together in November.
Playing at home under the lights may tempt Farke a little more than usual to start Nmecha in front of a baying crowd. Let’s see.
Haaland returns home
On the subject of strikers... ‘You’re Leeds and you know you are’ might well ring around Elland Road at Erling Haaland at some stage. He is one of the city’s most famous sons after all.
Haaland has endeared himself further to United fans this season by giving the Leeds salute after November’s match before replicating the gesture after scoring against Galatasaray in the Champions League.
The Norwegian has not played at Elland Road since netting a brace back in December 2022, when City ran out 3-1 winners. He’s yet to score in the two City home games against the Whites since.
But should he score two at Elland Road again, Leeds will have an almighty task to get anything out of the game. Watch out for any full-time gestures from Haaland given his love for his hometown, having just spent a few days off in Paris.
Under the lights home record
Leeds have played six home evening games under the floodlights this season and have not lost any, drawing only one - that dramatic 3-3 draw with Liverpool. The likes of Chelsea, Everton and more recently Nottingham Forest have felt the full force of a vibrant Elland Road.
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It’s a secret to no-one that this has been the club’s most powerful weapon this season. Saturday’s game will only partially be a night match given that the sun is now setting later but that won’t dampen the atmosphere much.
Man City will be testing that night-match record, perhaps being the toughest opponent Leeds have welcomed in a home post-3pm kick-off all season. The home fans will have a role to play in keeping this unbeaten night-time feat going.