Leeds United manager Daniel Farke.
(Credit: Imago)
Leeds United have a tough test ahead of them when they face off against title-chasing Manchester City at Elland Road on Saturday.
Whilst Leeds’ chances of picking up a result against Man City are admittedly slim, Gabriel Gudmundsson’s return to full fitness will be a welcome boost for Daniel Farke prior to kick-off.
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Noah Okafor has been ruled out of the clash at Elland Road, perhaps presenting an opportunity for Dan James to re-establish himself in the team during Okafor’s absence.
One former Chelsea player has had his say on the upcoming game, with the former Premier League star’s prediction being one that will not go down well with Leeds fans.
Chris Sutton delivers honest Leeds United vs Manchester City verdict
Whilst pundits such as Paul Merson feel as though Leeds are capable of picking up a result against Man City, Sutton does not share the former Arsenal man’s optimism.
When writing his predictions for this weekend’s Premier League fixtures for BBC Sport, Sutton was honest about United’s chances of getting points from their upcoming clash against City.
“This will be a great game. I was at Etihad Stadium when these two teams met in November, and it was a real turning point in Leeds’ season. City were 2-0 up at half-time, but Leeds boss Daniel Farke put Dominic Calvert-Lewin on and had a real go.
“They fought back to 2-2, and although they still lost to a last-gasp Phil Foden goal, that performance transformed them – they’ve been a different team in recent weeks compared with the way they started the season.
“This is the sort of game where, if you are a City fan, you are thinking we have to go to Elland Road and win if we are going to win the title. Leaders Arsenal did exactly that a few weeks ago, and blew Leeds away.”
Sutton continued: “Can City do the same? I am not sure – especially if we class this Saturday evening kick-off as a night game, because Leeds’ record in those under Farke is extraordinary – out of 21 so far, they have won 18 and drawn three.”
However, the prospect of Leeds playing under the floodlights at Elland Road was not enough to sway the former Chelsea striker’s prediction, with Sutton predicting Leeds to lose 1-3.
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Data suggests Leeds are capable of competing with Manchester City
Farke looked dead and buried as Leeds manager at half-time at the Etihad during the reverse fixture against Man City, before the inspired second-half performance arguably saved his job.
Aside from the two league games against Arsenal, Farke’s men have more or less competed with everyone they have played so far in the Premier League, Man City included.
Against City at the Etihad, Leeds created an xG of 1.54
The Whites also had three big chances during the game, showing they are more than capable of causing Pep Guardiola’s side problems
United’s problems came defensively, however, conceding an xG of 3.1 as well as six big chances during the 3-2 defeat (Sofascore)
Farke will know that if he can keep things tight against City, like Leeds proved they could do last week against Villa, then their physicality and direct approach can cause issues for the visitors’ backline, particularly if Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha find themselves leading the line together at some stage during the game.
READ MORE:‘The fans will be horrible’ – Ex-Leeds United star delivers stark Elland Road warning to Manchester City on talkSPORT – The Leeds Press