Game Week 13 Predictions: Manchester City to beat Leeds at the Etihad

Man City vs Leeds United Preview: Pep's side aim to cut Arsenal's lead to 4 pts & leapfrog Chelsea with vital win over relegation-threatened Leeds.

Manchester City has a chance to heap pressure on Arsenal and Chelsea who both meet at Stamford Bridge on Sunday but, can Leeds United rain on their party? (Photo credit: Goal)

 Manchester City vs. Leeds.

Etihad Stadium

4:00pm

A win for Manchester City here cuts Arsenal’s lead at the top to just four points, and with the Gunners off to Chelsea on Sunday, it’s an opportunity you hope the Cityzens would take.

Beyond their chase for the Gunners, a win also sees them climb over Chelsea, who currently sit second, and whichever way the London derby goes on Sunday, City is certain to gain ground on either Arsenal or Chelsea or both of them; however, Pep Guardiola’s side must first do their job at home to Leeds.

Leeds United will kick this one off from the relegation zone; the comfort of Nottingham Forest and West Ham they had earlier has now disappeared with the two clubs grinding out results. Leeds must now do their best or see their club sink further into the murky waters of relegation.

Daniel Farke is odds-on to be the next manager to walk from his job this season, and you can understand why. The German is not a stranger to Premier League sackings; he’s been here before, and if he doesn’t win any of his next two, you won’t expect to see him around by Christmas.

Manchester City isn’t in a good place, and that should give some confidence to Farke and the Leeds United lads. You can argue that Pep Guardiola made ten changes to his side that faced and lost to Bayern Leverkusen in midweek, but, without disrespecting the Germans, City should be winning that regardless.

It’s back-to-back losses for the Cityzens after the 2-1 reverse at Newcastle last weekend; anything short of a home win here could see them end the weekend outside the top four. You reckon City would give everything they have to win this game.

Is there a way Leeds can hurt the Citizens? The City defence is fragile, but Leeds United struggle in front of goal too. Losing to Aston Villa last weekend from a winning position adds to their woes; however, if they take their chances against the former champions, they might have a different story to tell.

How to stop Erling Haaland should be the hottest topic in training for Leeds United. The Norwegian blanked last weekend and couldn’t do anything when he came on against Leverkusen in the second half; pray for Leeds United.

Defensive cohesion and discipline in possession can help Leeds to confuse Manchester City. It’s a game we expect to go one way, but City has been disappointing at points. You expect them to be ruthless; will this one satisfy the Etihad ground?

Verdict: City to win.