Leeds United are 15th in the Premier League standings, sitting six points above the drop zone and looking like a team who are edging towards Premier League safety.
They’ve managed to steady the ship in recent weeks, doing enough to keep relegation worries at arm’s length, and the latest results elsewhere have only strengthened the belief that survival is within reach.
Next up is a stern test at Elland Road, where Daniel Farke’s side will face title-chasing Manchester City in a fixture that could have a big say at both ends of the table.
Pep Guardiola’s team arrive on the back of a 2–1 victory over Newcastle United, and they’ll be looking to maintain that momentum against a Leeds side that has grown in belief and resilience on home turf.
Former Leeds star sends stark warning to Manchester City
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has hoped for an upset at Elland Road as he is keen to see Manchester City’s title charge get derailed by Leeds.
Guardiola’s team will start as favourites, but Ross McCormack has warned that many good teams have gone to Elland Road this season and struggled.
He reminded that it was against Manchester City that Leeds started their revival earlier in the season and stressed that at Elland Road, the fans and the players will ensure that the away side feel that they are in the middle of a real fight.
McCormack said on talkSPORT: “There’s a lot of teams over the last few months that have gone to Elland Road and struggled.
“They’ll make it difficult for them, but Leeds’ upturn in fortunes that’s came from them going back to basics.
“I think half-time at Man City, they went to a 3-5-2, two boys up front and just put people under pressure.
“City won’t enjoy going to Elland Road, the atmosphere will be rocking, the fans will be horrible, the players will be in their face, so they better be up for a fight.”
The Whites could impact the title race on Saturday
Think back to late November, and it genuinely seemed as though Daniel Farke was hanging by a thread. Leeds went in 2–0 down at the Etihad against Manchester City, and the scrutiny surrounding him was intensifying by the minute.
At half-time, he made a decisive move. Switching to a 5-3-2, Farke took a gamble, and in many respects, it changed the mood around the team.
Phil Foden’s late strike confirmed a 3–2 defeat, but the response after the interval was what people remembered. The renewed energy, the improved shape, the sense of belief, it gave both the squad and the fans something real to build on.
 Manchester City |
Stat | Leeds United  |
|---|---|---|
| 17 | Shots | 6 |
| 8 | Shots on Target | 3 |
| 63% | Possession | 37% |
| 526 | Passes | 304 |
| 92% | Pass Accuracy | 75% |
| 16 | Fouls | 10 |
Now, with City set to visit Elland Road on Saturday, Leeds have the chance to demonstrate just how much progress they’ve made since that difficult day in Manchester.
Elland Road has become a fortress of sorts, and Guardiola’s title hopefuls are unlikely to find it straightforward in West Yorkshire. Farke’s side may even end up influencing where the Premier League crown lands come May.
