Leeds United XI vs Manchester City – Predicted lineup and team news

Leeds United travel to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, facing one of the toughest tests in football.

Daniel Farke’s side currently sits in the relegation zone after losing three consecutive league games. Crucially, they have failed to hold onto a lead in their last two matches. This is a trend they must reverse if they hope to get anything against the champions today.

The Whites have a poor record at City. In fact, they lost their last two visits by an aggregate score of 9-1. However, manager Daniel Farke has beaten City before with a promoted Norwich side (a 3-2 win in 2019). He will need to summon that same spirit to inspire a shock result and lift his team out of the bottom three.

Leeds United team news

Daniel Farke faces a midfield crisis ahead of the trip to Manchester. Anton Stach is out with a concussion. Furthermore, Sean Longstaff is sidelined for four to six weeks with a calf injury. This likely means a new midfield trio of Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, and Ao Tanaka will start.

In defence, Sebastiaan Bornauw is a major doubt due to an MCL issue. Consequently, Pascal Struijk should partner Joe Rodon at the back. Up front, Lukas Nmecha is expected to lead the line against his former club. He scored against Aston Villa last week and will likely be supported by the returning pace of Daniel James and Wilfried Gnonto.