Leeds United have clear blueprint to beat Man City, but there’s a slight issue
Let’s be honest, Leeds have little chance of achieving victory against Man City this weekend, but there is a way.
A trip to the Etihad beckons for Leeds United, who have won just one game on their travels in the Premier League so far this season.
Daniel Farke is on the brink of the sack at Elland Road, and a heavy defeat to Pep Guardiola’s side may be the last thing he does as Leeds boss.
However, there is one very simple way to prevent that from happening, at least on paper.
Stop Erling Haaland and you stop Man City
Easy, right? Not quite.
Despite the fact that we are still in November, Erling Haaland has 22 goals across all competitions, which is double what Leeds have managed in the Premier League.
If he is on his game, Man City typically come away with the win. If he’s not… forget that, this is Haaland we’re talking about; he is a cheat code, and he is almost always on his game.
However, the fact that he has so many goals is actually what potentially gives Leeds a glimpse of hope this weekend, given the fact that Maxim Esteve is Man City’s second top scorer this season.
The Burnley defender scored two own goals in the Clarets’ 5-1 defeat to Man City earlier this season, with their actual second top scorer having notched on just one occasion.
Guardiola’s side have struggled for goals outside of the Norwegian, and if Leeds can somehow contain the threat posed by him in front of goal, it at least gives them the recipe to go to the Etihad and avoid defeat.
From there, their ability to address their attacking woes will be crucial to their hopes of nicking a goal on the break.
What has Erling Haaland said about Leeds?
Haaland scored twice when he faced off against Leeds three years ago, but his celebrations showcased his respect towards the club that he grew up in awe of.
Via VG, he said: “It was planned. I didn’t feel like cheering. I have respect for Leeds, where I was born.”
“When I was little I had a Leeds kit with Eirik Bakke on the back and a City kit with my father on it. Not in my wildest dreams did I think I would play at Elland Road for City against Leeds.
“You can’t even dream about it, because it’s so surreal, with a father who has played for both clubs. I am proud today!”
Hopefully, he isn’t even afforded the chance to celebrate this weekend, with Leeds in dire need of three points.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Leeds United news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account –@motleedsnews