Having suffered three defeats in a row, Leeds United’s next match sees them embark on an away trip to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. Times are tough at Elland Road, with the Whites starting the week in the relegation zone for the first time this season, and Daniel Farke’s two-year tenure as manager looks set to end imminently.
Leeds United Predicted Lineup vs Manchester City as Farke Sacking Rumours Persist
How Leeds Have Lined Up Recently
Despite costing the club £15.6 million in the summer, goalkeeper Lucas Perri continues to come under scrutiny for his below-par performances in the Leeds goal. The Brazilian was left rooted to the spot as Morgan Rogers fired in a free-kick in the 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa last weekend, even though the shot was central and at a fairly comfortable height.
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In front of him, Farke opted for the tried-and-tested combination of Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk, leaving out Jaka Bijol, who had started the three games prior. Gabriel Gudmundsson and Jayden Bogle complete a Leeds defence which has now conceded 22 goals in 12 games, with only fellow relegation strugglers West Ham, Burnley, and Wolves having worse records.
In midfield, Ethan Ampadu, Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach were selected against the Villains, although the latter was forced off in the 23rd minute after suffering a concussion. He was replaced by Ao Tanaka, who was then substituted himself after 71 minutes, despite being one of Leeds’ most effective players throughout the match.
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Farke’s consistent selection of Brenden Aaronson on the right wing has drawn criticism from a large portion of the fanbase, who believe the American is a less effective option than the likes of Daniel James and Willy Gnonto. On the left, Noah Okafor continues to impress despite the club’s recent poor form.
Centre forward Lukas Nmecha has now scored two goals in his last two games, showcasing his eye for a goal with what can generously be classed as a striker’s finish against Unai Emery’s side. The German’s physicality and work-rate make him a nuisance for any opposition team to deal with, and his Premier League goal tally of three is the most of any Leeds player.
Leeds Recent Form and Tactics
Although Leeds clearly produced an improved performance against Villa at Elland Road, taking the lead and looking largely dominant in the first half, they were undone by Emery’s shrewd substitutions. The Whites have now lost four of their last five games, and fans are pointing to Farke’s apparent inability to change personnel before the game is already out of their hands.
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Against Villa, the German coach made his first tactical change in the 71st minute, and it was a similar story against Nottingham Forest, where he didn’t make a switch until the 74th minute. Predictability and a lack of flexibility are two of the biggest qualms that Leeds fans have with Farke’s management, and it could be the final nail in the coffin if his side are defeated by Man City.
Leeds Absences to Consider
It has been a difficult week for United injury-wise, with midfielder Longstaff confirmed to be out for four to six weeks with a calf injury.
This leaves the club extremely short in the middle of the park, with Stach also unavailable following his concussion.
Elsewhere, Sebastiaan Bornauw, who is yet to feature in the league, is a doubt due to “MCL problems.”
Leeds United Predicted Lineup
GK: Lucas Perri
RB: Jayden Bogle
CB: Joe Rodon
CB: Pascal Struijk
LB: Gabriel Gudmundsson
CM: Ethan Ampadu
CM: Ilia Gruev
CM: Ao Tanaka
RW: Daniel James
LW: Noah Okafor
ST: Lukas Nmecha
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