Nmecha has scored in three of his last four games and voetialed incredbly well with Dominic Calvert-Lewin vs Man City in November
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
07:00, 27 Feb 2026
Lukas Nmecha of Leeds United celebrates after scoring vs Man City in November
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Lukas Nmecha of Leeds United celebrates after scoring vs Man City in November(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Leeds United’s season changed at Manchester City back in November when Daniel Farke made his switch to a back-three system.
He must be tempted to play the line-up that started the second half at the Etihad Stadium, or most of it.
One of the few alterations to that set-up will see Karl Darlow retaining his place in goal ahead of Lucas Perri. Perhaps, once more, the biggest debate point will be at the other end.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin will undoubtedly start given his first-choice striker status - the attacker scored and won the penalty that saw Leeds draw back to 2-2 at the Etihad. His combination with Lukas Nmecha that day was exciting.
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Leeds are at home on Saturday and Farke tends to be more attacking in his mindset - but will he go with ambition? Fans wish to see it but against a title challenger, as seen against Arsenal, the boss might decide to play the ever-pressing Brenden Aaronson further forward.
Anton Stach missed the trip to Man City due to concussion but will certainly get the nod this weekend, as will Ethan Ampadu, who played a big role in anchoring the midfield amid that second half comeback in November.
Speaking to Leeds Live, Ilia Gruev pointed to that game as one which propelled his season forward and he will likely start in the midfield to shore up the centre of the park with Leeds likely to have long periods without the ball.
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United kept Leeds-born Erling Haaland very quiet in the reverse fixture, which was helped by the switch to the back three. Jaka Bijol came on at half-time and Leeds looked much more rigid at the back with Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon planted either side.
Supporters could see a repeat of that on Saturday evening with Jayden Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson - who has recovered from illness - as the wing-backs.
Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Darlow; Rodon, Bijol, Struijk; Bogle, Ampadu, Gruev, Gudmundson; Stach, Aaronson; Calvert-Lewin.