please log in to view this image Leeds Utd v Manchester City Saturday 30th April@17:30 | Elland Road Leeds welcome Manchester City to Elland Road for an early evening kick off on Saturday. The blue side of Manchester are currently just a point ahead of Liverpool, and will be desperate to try to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League, and take the pressure off their players. Equally determined, Leeds will be wanting to put distance between themselves and the chasing pack at the wrong end of the table. Leeds have no fresh injury concerns. Although Raphinha was seen clutching his hamstring during the latter stages of Monday's goalless draw at Selhurst Park, it was nothing too serious. Kalvin Phillips completed 90 minutes (against Palace) for the first time, since the reverse fixture back in late November, and will sit in front of a back four of Ayling, Llorente, Cooper and Dallas. Although Firpo was fit to start, Marsch decided to stick with the Northern Ireland International. Leeds in-form winger Jack Harrison has scored three in his last five games. Can he add to his tally against his former club? With Forshaw still out, Marsch has limited options in midfield. Klich was poor on Monday, and also reacted badly to being substituted, but Robin Koch's performance was little to write home about either. Despite poor performances leading the line, James is likely to continue up front. Citeh Manager Pep Guardiola is expected to make at least one change to the team that beat Real Madrid 4-3 midweek. Joao Cancelo is back from suspension, and is expected to start.
Frightening prospect but who knows. City could have scored ten against Madrid but also their defending was awful at times
No matter who Citeh rest, they have a quality international to replace them such is the void. I know he's been shocking at times but I'd put Firpo at LB, Dallas was caught out of position quite a few times Monday, move him into the middle with Phillips, said all season our midfield lacks something without Dallas.
Do you trust Firpo against Mahrez or Jesus though? But I suppose if he can last over 45 minutes without a yellow card and an injury it’s an improvement but it’s the unknown, at least we know Dallas is mr reliable and will put effort in.
Have been looking forward to this one for a few weeks now. 5-30 KO is ideal...get there early and have a few beers before seeing how our new coach/system works against the best in the land. It's also something of a free hit just the same as when Bielsa was in charge. So far this season the best side seen at ER has been Liverpool, but thinking back to that game we started brightly and Rodrigo had an excellent chance to put us 1-0 up which would have made a massive difference. The red card for Struijk then ruined it as a contest but for those first 30 mins we were bang in the game. We need to do something similar on Saturday and not capitulate meekly by conceding early goals. If we can stay in the game until the 2nd half and City start to become a little desperate we've got a counter punchers chance I guess.
Firpo almost 100% and will probably get some minutes against City. Marsch says having his speed and control on the left side of defence is key to how we want to play. Stuart has done ok there but not his best position. Dont shoot the messenger but looks like Firpo has impressed our leader. Paddy will be back for the next game, Summerville now out for the season with an ankle injury in training…. Another injury in training so are we overtraining? Forshaw and Roberts also out for the season. He admits he has a problem with the 6 role as Klich is more attacking and Koch is more defensive but says he has to work on that position with the boys as Kalvin is getting back full fitness Guessing at James up top again and even though he was asked why, he sugar coated it because of the chance James may get if we manage to put a ball behind their defence for him to run onto. He was asked why James and not a proper striker like Joffy, Rodrigo or Greenwood…?
There's an argument for saving Dan James's pace for coming off the bench 2nd half in this one. Especially as Jesse keeps starting DJ and then subbing him after 60 mins every game.
I think Dallas has been pretty poor defensively the last few games there. It's either Firpo or a more positionally defensive display front SD
We genuinely might be better with 10 men than with the revolving door at LB. At least with 10 we know we have to cover that area. With 11 we leave it to him.
Every game is a must win. It really spoils the weekend when we don't - and there have been a lot of those this season
