Man City to dominate Leeds at their own patch
Manchester City make the short trip eastwards to face Leeds United at Elland Road on Wednesday night. The visitors sit third, currently eight points behind leaders Arsenal with this game in hand. All they can do is keep winning their matches and hope the Gunners slip up at some stage, and they ought to come through against their wildly inconsistent hosts. Read our preview here:
Pascal's wager
Jesse Marsch could be without 11 first team players at the worst possible time, though he is bound to risk some of them to avoid a potential humiliation and renewed grumblings in the stands about his tenure as head coach. Tyler Adams is definitely out because of the red card he received prior to the World Cup break, so Sam Greenwood will come in for a rare start in the double pivot of midfield. The back four will need to be at their very best to repel the inevitable waves from their adversaries. One man who isn't a doubt in this area is Pascal Strujik. The left-back is also a threat from set pieces, which, Haaland aside, the home team might get some joy from if they can get some opportunities in the final third. Having b up top would also be of great help, but he is amongst the contingent of eight who are uncertain to participate.
The great Haal of Valhalla
For Pep Guardiola's charges, there are only likely to be three missing - the injured pair of Rúben Dias and Kalvin Phillips, and the absent Julián Álvarez, who has been given a breather after greatly helping Argentina to their first World Cup trophy in 36 years. The obvious avenue of attack will be through Kevin De Bruyne to Erling Haaland, and that particular partnership bore fruit once again in the 3-2 thriller against Liverpool in the EFL Cup last week. Bernardo Silva will drop off the right of the attacking trio to make space for the Belgian playmaker in that channel, whilst Phil Foden will cut inside to allow João Cancelo the freedom of the left flank to do considerable damage with his crossing ability.
Betting tip
Man City need to be ruthless to avoid a potential upset, and Casumo have odds of 13.00 for them to win 4-1.
