Chris Sutton predicts result of Leeds United Premier League clash v Manchester City
Chris Sutton has predicted the result of Manchester City’s Premier League clash against Leeds United on Saturday afternoon.
The Whites head to the Etihad in what is Sam Allardcye’s first match in charge since he replaced Javi Gracia in the dugout at Elland Road.
Sutton feels that Pep Guardiola’s men could get the game wrapped up early before eventually taking their foot off the gas in the latter stages.
“So, new Leeds manager Sam Allardyce says he is up there with any manager in the Premier League, along with Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola,” wrote Sutton (BBC Sport predictions, 4 May).
“I guess we will find out on Saturday if Sam is right. City found it harder than I expected to break down West Ham on Wednesday, but eventually found a way through.
“I really can’t see the Leeds defence putting up the same kind of resistance, and this might be a game where City wrap the game up early before taking their foot off the gas. 3-0.”
Stay in the game
Leeds have to make sure they stay in the game as long as possible. We all saw how West Ham United frustrated City on Wednesday, and it was a fairly basic set-piece which set the home side on their way. Up until Nathan Ake’s header, the Hammers were good value for their point.
However, the Whites’ defensive problems clearly run a lot deeper. Goals have been conceded at an alarming rate. If Allardyce can turn the defence into a cohesive unit against the Champions, then he deserves immense credit. Javi Gracia and Jesse Marsch have both tried and failed during the 2022/23 season.
In all fairness, the new boss is cut from a completely different cloth. He won’t allow for ill-discipline. The players will adopt a rigid defensive system or face being axed from the squad. The trip to Manchester isn’t a game Leeds will be targeting for points, with Newcastle, West Ham and Tottenham to come before the campaign reaches its conclusion.
Two wins should see Premier League football return to Elland Road come the start of the 2023/24 season.
In other Leeds United news, the club may now face a losing battle to keep their star player at Elland Road beyond the summer transfer window.