Paul Merson ahead of the Premier League match Manchester City vs Arsenal in 2024, Leeds boss Daniel Farke and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola...
Credit: Imago
Declan Carr
Fri 27 February 2026 7:40, UK
Paul Merson believes that Leeds United’s clash with Manchester City on Saturday could cause a few surprises.
Leeds host the Premier League title chasers at Elland Road on 28 February, looking to put even more distance between them and the relegation zone.
Daniel Farke‘s side currently sit 15th in the top-flight, six points above the drop zone with 11 matches to play.
Merson believes that they will achieve that ambition, with a wild clash on the cards when Pep Guardiola’s men visit Yorkshire.
Leeds United in Premier League table
Credit: Breaking Media
What did Merson say about Leeds vs Manchester City
The Whites fell to a late 3-2 defeat last time that they played the Citizens in November, but they have been backed to do one better this time and steal a point.
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Merson predicted a 1-1 draw for the Peacocks, and he thinks that the contest will not be as simple as City hope, after what he has seen recently.
Writing in his weekly predictions for Sportskeeda, he said: “Leeds have troubled many of the big boys this season. I expect them to cause City problems, I’m going for a draw in this very difficult game for Manchester City.
“It’s a bit of madness in me to go for a draw here, but it’s more out of hope really.
“There’s still something missing with City, even against Newcastle, they went ahead, and instead of running away with the game, they actually kept their opponents in the game.
He may just be hoping for that result due to his affiliations to title rivals Arsenal, but it is a huge show of faith in the Yorkshire club’s progress.
How can Leeds avoid relegation?
The LS11 side just needs to keep doing their business, keep gaining points and they should be away from the drop zone at the end of the season.
They have had a remarkable first campaign back in the big time so far, and just have to keep their composure and get some positive results at the business end.
The Whites’ destiny is still in their own hands, and they face relegation strugglers Wolves, West Ham and Tottenham in their final 11 games, so they could secure survival themselves without having to rely on results elsewhere.
The City game is probably the most difficult one that they have left on paper, and they proved that they can hang with Guardiola’s side, the last time that they met.
The fact that Merson believes that they can secure a point is testament to the work that Farke and his players have done in this campaign.
Now, they just need to keep it up, and make sure that they get over the line and maintain their status as an elite club for another season, at the very least.
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