Pep Guardiola’s side are purring again after a slow start to the campaign and their confidence has returned in full force. City have been ruthless at home this season, scoring goals for fun and tightening up defensively after some early wobbling. When they get rolling they tend to steamroll teams and Leeds will need something close to a miracle to survive the onslaught.
Leeds arrive in Manchester with their usual energy and fight but their defensive record tells its own story. They concede too many soft goals and often struggle to keep their structure against top tier sides. They can cause problems in transition though and with players who love to break forward at pace there is always a chance they grab a goal. The problem is they usually need two or three because clean sheets are just not part of their vocabulary right now.
City’s midfield is starting to click again and with Erling Haaland back to bullying defenders everything points toward another dominant display. Leeds will battle they always do but there is a gulf in quality that is hard to ignore.
Prediction
Manchester City should win this comfortably. The hosts are far superior in every department, and their home form is frightening. A 3-1 or 4-1 City win feels like the most realistic outcome.
Value Bet
City to win with both teams to score looks like a sweet spot. Leeds have enough pace to nick a goal and City look almost certain to score multiple times at the Etihad. Backing City to win and BTTS offers solid value for punters looking for something beyond the straight win.