Mark Lawrenson predicts outcome of Leeds United v Manchester City
Mark Lawrenson says Leeds United are a “hyper-intensive” side that knows only one way of playing despite a new manager at the helm.
The Whites will take on Premier League leaders Manchester City at Elland Road on Saturday where they will be looking to maintain their impressive mini-run.
City defeated Leeds 7-0 at Etihad Stadium in December and Lawrenson tips City to register another comfortable victory.
The BBC pundit suggests that contrary to what people are looking at this as a “banana skin”, Pep Guardiola’s side will control the game comfortably and predicts a 2-0 defeat for the home side.
“Some people are looking at this as a banana skin for the leaders, but I don’t see it that way,” said Lawrenson to BBC Sport.
“Leeds still only play one way. I know Jesse Marsch has changed it a little bit since replacing Marcelo Bielsa as manager in February but they are still hyper-intensive, and still work really hard.
“I think City are too good for that to work against them, and it doesn’t help that Leeds really lack a striker while Patrick Bamford is out. I can see Pep Guardiola’s side keeping them at arm’s length, and just picking them off.
“City’s biggest win of the season so far came when they beat Leeds 7-0 at Etihad Stadium in December. We won’t see the same scoreline on Saturday, but they should still control the game and win comfortably.”
Big game
The next three games for Leeds are massive in the context of the Premier League relegation race.
As it stands, Leeds are five points ahead of 18th placed Everton, having played a game more.
The Whites will face Arsenal and Chelsea in their next two games, and if they lose all three of them, it could potentially invite Everton and Burnley to leapfrog them.
Leeds have to find a way to pick up points against these big teams.
In terms of the title race, this game also holds extra importance. Leeds are in brilliant form at the moment, having picked up three wins and two draws in their last five games.
If Leeds manage to get a point against Man City, the title race could shift drastically in Liverpool’s favour.
However, getting a point against City isn’t a matter of joke. Leeds are expected not to lose by 7-0 again, but it will need a herculean effort to get a positive result this week.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay has been told the Whites want to sign a midfielder who’s wowed Roy Keane this year.