Gary Neville makes unexpected Kalvin Phillips prediction for Leeds United clash v Manchester City
Gary Neville has predicted that Kalvin Phillips may start against his former club Leeds United when they take on Manchester City on Saturday (6 May).
The Whites travel to the Etihad in desperate need of points in their ongoing fight for safety, with the home side aiming to establish a strong lead at the top of the table.
Phillips has been used sparingly by Pep Guardiola this season, but Neville has suggested the midfielder could make a rare appearance against his old club.
“You think about Kalvin Phillips, you almost forget about him in this current time,” Neville said on Sky Sports Main Event (3 May, 9:48pm) “It wouldn’t surprise me if he almost emerges in this next 12 months.
“Pep Guardiola has a habit of bringing players through a year or two after they sign. Maybe he’ll play Kalvin Phillips on Saturday against Leeds.”
Frustration for Phillips
It’s been a very frustrating season for former Leeds ace Phillips, who has been limited to just eight Premier League appearances since his summer switch from Elland Road.
Injuries have certainly played their part in his lack of game time, but more evidently it has been the lack of trust shown in him by Guardiola.
Manchester City have a very strong midfield thanks to the likes of Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri, the latter playing in a defensive role that Phillips is used to playing.
But the Manchester outfit have been competing on various fronts this season, and yet manager Guardiola has rarely turned to Phillips to help out.
It would be a tough blow for Leeds fans to travel to the Etihad this weekend and see their former star shine for his new club, but a start at least seems unlikely given his lack of minutes in recent times.
In other Leeds United news, Gary Lineker has provided his reaction to the appointment of Sam Allardyce as the club’s new head coach for the remainder of the season.