Leeds predicted XI vs Man City: Whites target statement scalp in title race showdown | OneFootball

Leeds United welcome Manchester City to Elland Road on Saturday evening, eager to secure three points and extinguish any lingering relegation fears.

Leeds sit 15th, six points clear of danger, and have lost just two of their last 14 Premier League matches.

The Whites have drawn eight games since December, but their resilience against the division’s elite has been notable. Now comes the ultimate test.

City arrive chasing Arsenal at the summit. Victory would cut the gap to two points and heap pressure on the leaders ahead of their Sunday fixture, setting up a gripping contest.

Match preview

Leeds claimed a 1-1 draw in their last outing, extending an unbeaten February in the league.

However, that stalemate also underlined a familiar flaw – surrendering leads.

When going 1-0 up in the first half, the Whites have conceded in each of their last 21 matches.

That fragility will be scrutinised against Erling Haaland, who scored twice on his last league visit to Elland Road.

Daniel Farke is expected to stick with his back three.

Joe Rodon, James Justin and Pascal Struijk will be tasked with containing City’s fluid front line, while Karl Darlow may need to be at his sharpest.

City are in ominous form. Five consecutive wins in all competitions have reignited their title charge.

Pep Guardiola, afforded a rare midweek break, is likely to name the same XI that beat Newcastle.

Match stats

Leeds have lost their last five Premier League meetings with City, conceding 19 goals in those games.

City have won 24 of their last 27 league games against newly promoted sides.

Leeds have drawn more Premier League matches than any other side since December, while City have lost just one of their last six away league matches.

Leeds and City have met 102 times, with the former winning 41 and drawing 16.

Leeds team news

Noah Okafor remains sidelined. The Switzerland international (24 caps) is out with a hamstring injury. Otherwise, Farke has a near full-strength squad.

Jaka Bijol, 27, will likely remain on the bench after failing to win his spot back.

Leeds predicted XI (3-4-2-1)

Karl Darlow; James Justin, Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk; Jayden Bogle, Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, Gabriel Gudmundsson; Anton Stach, Brenden Aaronson; Dominic Calvert-Lewin.