Prediction: Leeds United vs Manchester City

Verdict: Manchester City win

Best Odds: 4/11

Bookmaker: Unibet

Looking to lay down a marker on their return to Premier League action on Wednesday night, Manchester City will make the trip to Elland Road.

Leeds United

Starting with the hosts, while Leeds might have managed to find a much-needed boost when opening November, the Whites still find themselves firmly at the heart of a relegation scrap. Last seen heading into the festive break with an action-packed 4-3 loss away at Tottenham, Jesse Marsch’s men are really looking over their shoulder at the drop zone. Likewise, along with crashing out of the EFL Cup on November 9th following a 1-0 defeat at home against fellow strugglers Wolves, the former RB Leipzig boss does appear to have some pressure on his shoulders. Holding just a two-point buffer from slipping into the bottom-three, Leeds have now lost six of their previous eight domestic matchups across all formats. Likewise, claiming just a pair of victories from any of their 12 apperances – a run that stems all the way back to August 24th, Wednesday’s hosts should be bracing themselves for a heavyweight challenge here.

Team News

In what is a real blow for Leeds on Wednesday night, USA skipper Tyler Adams will miss out as he serves a suspension. Marsch will also be without the injuried trio of Stuart Dallas and Archie Gray, while Luis Sinisterra here.

Likewise, the former RB Leipzig boss is also sweating over the fitness of first-choice goalkeeper Illan Meslier.

Manchester City

As for the visitors, marking their return from the World Cup break with a lively 3-2 victory against Liverpool in the EFL Cup last week, Pep Guardiola’s men are now desperate to make up some ground in the title chase. Opening Wednesday’s trip to Elland Road sat eight points adrift of Arsenal and top spot, the former Barcelona boss will be calling on his side to lay down a marker here. With many still tipping the Sky Blues as a standout pick to reclaim their Premier League crown in 2023, the midweek guests will also be hoping to find some stability on the road. Along with heading into the festive interval with a stunning last-gasp 2-1 loss against Brentford, it should also be noted that Man City have won just a trio of their last seven top-flight showdowns away from the Etihad. Nevertheless, breezing their way to a 4-0 romp when they last made the trip to Yorkshire back on April 30th, Guardiola’s superstars are rightfully tipped as a standout pick at Elland Road.

Team News

Picking up a hamstring injury while away with Portugal at this winter’s World Cup, central defender Ruben Dias will miss out here. Likewise, Guardiola has also confirmed that ex-Leeds star Kalvin Phillips will not feature on Wednesday night.

Bagging his 24th City goal of the season against Liverpool last week, Erling Haaland will spearhead Guardiola’s charge in midweek.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last faced off back on April 30th, Manchester City picked up a 4-0 victory at Elland Road.
• The Sky Blues are unbeaten in each of their last five domestic showdowns against Leeds – recording four wins and a single draw.
• Likewise, Guardiola’s side bagged 11 strikes in their back-to-back Premier League wins against Leeds last season.
• Wednesday’s hosts have lost six of their previous eight domestic matchups across all formats.
• Leeds have also won just one of their last five Premier League matchups at Elland Road.

Conclusion

Claiming a thrilling 3-2 victory against bitter rivals Liverpool last week and extending on their EFL Cup adventure, Manchester City will now be looking to lay down a Premier League marker here. Although the defending champions might have shown some extended issues away from the Etihad this season, Wednesday’s guests should be confident of closing the gap at the top of the table. Looking to make up some ground on a high-flying Arsenal, City will also be boosted by a rather rampant record against Leeds. Claiming back-to-back 4-0 and 7-0 romps when they faced off against the relegation scrappers last season, we’re expecting a similar away victory in midweek.

Verdict: Manchester City win

Best Odds: 4/11

Bookmaker: Unibet