Manchester City return to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, 29 November 2025, needing an immediate reaction after a tough week that saw them lose to Newcastle in the Premier League and suffer a Champions League defeat to Bayer Leverkusen. Pep Guardiola has made no secret that confidence dipped after those results and he will almost certainly restore several regular starters as City search for a clean, authoritative performance. Reuters+1
Quick facts & context
Fixture: Manchester City vs Leeds United — Premier League.
Venue: Etihad Stadium.
Why it matters: City sit near the top of the table but have dropped valuable points; beating Leeds is a chance to steady the title bid and reset momentum before a busy December. Reuters
Team news — City
City are managing injuries in midfield: Rodri remains unavailable as he continues a cautious return from a recent setback, and Mateo Kovačić is out with an ongoing issue — meaning Guardiola must handle the centre of the park carefully. Erling Haaland remains City’s primary goal threat and will start with expectation of service from the front and the wings. Predicted selections put a largely fit City XI back into place with Donnarumma in goal and a front three that could include Haaland, Doku and Cherki, while Nico (or another pivot) helps cover for midfield absences. Guardiola has stressed the need for risk-taking from his players after recent cautious performances. Manchester City FC+2OneFootball+2
Team news — Leeds
Leeds arrive under pressure: a run of poor results has left Daniel Farke defending his players and the club’s direction, with supporters and pundits talking loudly about a reaction being necessary at the Etihad. Leeds’ camp has had selection headaches too — reports list two players definitely out and at least one doubtful, while others have returned to training, giving Farke limited but useful options. The Whites will likely look to protect their back line, stay compact, and try to hit City on the break or from set-pieces. The Guardian+1
Likely lineups (predicted templates)
Manchester City (probable 4-3-3): Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Bernardo Silva, Nico (covering for Rodri/Kovačić), Foden; Cherki, Haaland, Doku.
Leeds United (probable 4-2-3-1 / 4-3-3 hybrid): a compact defence with two holding midfielders shielding the centre-backs and a lone striker supported by fast runners from the flanks.
These are educated predictions based on press updates and the clubs’ recent selections; managers may tinker with personnel and shape right up to the team-sheet deadline. OneFootball+1
Tactical preview — keys to the game
City’s route: dominate possession, use quick vertical passing to break Leeds’ compact block, and manufacture overloads down the flanks to find Haaland in the box. With City’s midfield not at full strength, quick interchanges and support from the full-backs will be essential to create high-quality chances rather than speculative shots from distance. Manchester City FC
Leeds’ route: sit compact, allow City possession in less dangerous zones, and look for transition moments. Leeds must be disciplined in their defensive shape, win second balls and use direct carriers to bypass City’s press. Set pieces and any errors from City’s less-experienced players could be Leeds’ best avenue to goal. The Guardian
The midfield battle is the match’s fulcrum: if City’s rotated pivot (Nico or Bernardo in deeper moments) can control tempo without overcompensating, City will create the half-space openings that unlock Leeds. If Leeds win the early contacts and force turnovers, they can create quick counters and make the game chaotic — a scenario that would favour the underdog. Sports Mole
Players to watch
Erling Haaland (Man City): still City’s primary finishing outlet; his positioning and movement will define how often Leeds’ centre-backs are stretched. Reuters
Phil Foden / Bernardo Silva (City): creative engines who must supply consistent service and help control midfield phases in Rodri’s absence. Manchester City FC
Leeds’ pacey forwards / wingers: whoever starts in Leeds’ wide roles will be key on transition; their speed and timing of runs will matter whenever Leeds turn defence into attack. The Guardian
Prediction & match script
On paper City are heavy favourites — superior quality, depth and home advantage make them likely winners. Expect City to control large periods of possession and create several high-quality chances; Leeds will aim to remain stubborn and try to nick a goal on the counter. A typical script is City scoring in the second half after probing early, but football’s small margins mean Leeds’ compact discipline could make a 1–0 or 2–0 City win the most probable outcomes. If Leeds capitalise on one of their rare chances, an upset becomes feasible — but Guardiola’s side need the three points more to steady their season trajectory.
