Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United side will travel to face top of the league Manchester City on Saturday lunchtime (12:30pm). 

The first encounter this season between the two teams was a pulsating, exciting and memorable occasion. Despite it finishing in a 1-1 draw, the attacking football and winning mentality on display from both sides earned plaudits across the globe. 

Since that clash, Pep Guardiola’s side have been in unstoppable form which has seen his Sky Blue outfit rise to the top of the Premier League table, reach the League Cup final, the FA Cup semi-final and the UEFA Champions League quarter-final - meaning an unprecedented and historic quadruple remains possible. 

In the Premier League, Leeds have only faced City away from home on seven occasions, with only one of those trips resulting in three points. That encounter was in 2001, a 4-0 victory at Maine Road.

On their travels this season, Bielsa’s side have been impressive with seven victories from 15 matches. City will prove to be tougher task than most though, as they top the home table with just two losses from their 16 games.

In the scoring charts, leading the way for the Citizens is Ilkay Gündogan with 12. That may come as a surprise with the attacking talent in City’s forward line, but they have shared the goals around the squad this term with Riyad Mahrez & Raheem Sterling on nine, whilst Gabriel Jesus is just behind on eight. 

Jack Harrison’s goal against Sheffield United last weekend put him on seven for the season [but the he will be unable to add to that this weekend due to being ineligible to face his parent club], with the winger moving one ahead of fellow wide-man Raphinha who has six. As has been the case all year, Patrick Bamford is leading the way on 14. 

The stats that really matter as we approach the business end of the campaign are in the points column of the table. Saturday’s hosts are currently 14 points clear at the top, meaning they only need four more victories from their remaining seven matches to guarantee the title. 

The Whites are in an impressive 11th place following promotion last season, with 42 points from 30 matches. The little ‘mini battle’ taking place around them will see a fight for a top 10 place with Arsenal and Aston Villa, but the aim as always is to take one game at a time and see what happens. 

Victory for City would of course take them closer to the title, whereas victory for Leeds could see them move into 9th place, prior to other matches kicking-off. 

Manager/head coach

Man City: Pep Guardiola

Leeds United: Marcelo Bielsa

League position 

Man City: 1st

Leeds United: 11th

Premier League form

Man City: WLWWW

Leeds United: LLDWW

Premier League top scorer

Man City: Ilkay Gündogan (12)

Leeds United: Patrick Bamford (14)

Head to head

Man City: 45

Draws: 18

Leeds United: 42

Last time at Etihad Stadium

17th February 2013

FA Cup

Manchester City 4 (Y Toure 5’, Aguero 15’ pen, 73, Tevez 52’)

Leeds United 0 

Team news

For the first time this season, Marcelo Bielsa has reported a clean bill of health in the Leeds United squad ahead of the trip to face the table-topping Sky Blues. It’s a very similar position for Pep Guardiola’s side, who haven’t reported any fresh injury concerns either!

However, despite no new problems for the Whites, Jack Harrison will be missing from the squad as he is not eligible to face his parent club under the loan agreement. 

Officials

Referee - Andre Marriner

Assistant Referee 1 - Scott Ledger

Assistant Referee 2 - Richard West

Fourth Official - Peter Bankes

Video Assistant Referee - David Coote

The key battle 

Kevin De Bruyne vs Kalvin Phillips

An exciting battle between two international midfielder’s at the top of their game. De Bruyne’s attacking quality, eye for a pass, and ability to execute the pass makes him one of the world’s very best and the beating heart of a Man City side full of quality. 

Phillips will be looking to occupy the areas in which De Bruyne will want to work in, stopping the opposition from playing the intricate and quick passes they are famous for. As well as stopping them, Phillips will also of course be tasked with starting the attacking phases for his side as well. 

This midfield battle is certainly one to keep an eye on, at all times. 

Latest odds

Man City: 2/7

Draw: 19/4

Leeds United: 9/1

How to watch

The game will be broadcast on BT Sport, with live commentary on LUTV.