Ace Football previews the Premier League clash between Leeds United and Manchester City, and offers the latest betting tips, line-ups, odds, and team news.
(Comeon odds above – Leeds win/Draw/Manchester City win)
A tactical masterclass awaits as Pep Guardiola takes his Manchester City side over to Elland Road to face Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds. For anyone with an interest in the tactical and coaching aspect of the game, this is a must-watch.
Both coaches are obsessive students of the game and have great respect for one another. In fact, Guardiola’s biggest coaching inspiration is perhaps Bielsa. He visited the Leeds boss at his ranch in Rosario, Argentina, in 2006 as he considered taking up a career in the dugout and was left mesmerized by what he’d experienced.
The City coach has even described his counterpart as ‘the best coach in the world’ and wished he played under him during his playing career.
Saturday’s meeting in West Yorkshire, therefore, should be a good one for several reasons. Aside from the Bielsa-Guardiola saga, the game itself has all the makings of a classic.
Leeds United Form & Stats
After years of struggling in the lower divisions, Leeds have undergone quite the transformation under Marcelo Bielsa. The Argentine has instilled an attack-minded and positive style of play, making them a joy to watch.
Life back in the Premier League this season has gone well despite some grueling tests. The Whites have won two of their opening three games and boast the fourth-best scoring record on eight goals. They’ve also proven capable of going toe-to-toe with the big guns. Just ask Liverpool, who were pushed right to end at Anfield in a narrow 4-3 thriller for their season opener.
The pressure and expectation on Leeds this term hasn’t daunted them at all, with Bielsa’s side more than capable of thriving. Back-to-back wins over Fulham and Sheffield United have also left them in good stead.
Patrick Bamford, in particular, seems to be in excellent form after scoring his third Premier League goal of the season in the 1-0 Yorkshire derby victory against Sheffield last weekend.
Key Team Stats
- Won last two league games.
- Won eight of their last 10 home games in all competitions.
- Over 3.5 goals in four of their last six games in all competitions.
- Over 2.5 goals in six of their last seven games against City in all competitions.
Manchester City Form & Stats
A 3-0 midweek win over Burnley in the Carabao Cup was welcome, but City may still be vulnerable. That 5-2 hammering against Leicester City, one of the biggest defeats of Guardiola’s entire managerial career, will be hard to shake off. Hitting top form on Saturday, therefore, could be easier said than done.
Beating Leeds at Elland Road will be a challenge for the Citizens. The two sides may boast excellent attacking options, but the hosts will may be happy to play out a draw on this one.
The Leicester defeat, in particular, exposed City’s problems when their defense is being pressured. They may have scored twice and boasted 72% of possession, but none of that counted at the end of the game. It was a far cry from their 3-1 opening day win over Wolves in the Premier League.
The €68m arrival of Benfica center-back Ruben Dias, however, should help Guardiola fix his defensive problems. He may make the line-up just four days after joining in place of an injured John Stones.
Key Team Stats
- Won their last three away league games.
- Over 2.5 goals in last seven league games.
- Scored two or more goals in last seven league games.
Team News
Leeds United: Pablo Hernandez, Gaetano Berardi, Kiko Casilla, & Adam Forshaw (all injured); Jack Harrison (ineligible).
Manchester City: John Stones, Sergio Aguero, Joao Cancelo, & Gabriel Jesus (all injured); Ilkay Gundogan (unfit).
Predicted Line-up
(Note: The image will change to the official XI once they’re both announced)
Head-To-Head Record
Match Facts
Betting Tips
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