Riyad Mahrez previews Leeds United clash and outlines Premier League title ambitions

Riyad Mahrez has emphasised the importance of Manchester City’s upcoming fixture against Leeds United, as the reigning Premier League champions return to league football for the first time since November.

On Wednesday, Manchester City will resume their pursuit of a third straight Premier League title as they take on Leeds at Elland Road.

In their last outing, the Cityzens pulled off an enthralling 3-2 win over Liverpool in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, in a match that was back and forth from start to finish.

Erling Haaland, Riyad Mahrez, and Nathan Ake were all on the scoresheet for Pep Guardiola, helping the Blues to the quarter-final stages of the competition.

Mahrez, who has scored in two consecutive Carabao Cup appearances , has now discussed the significance of beating Leeds on Wednesday, with City trailing league leaders Arsenal by eight points.

“If we want to win the league, we will have to be ready as soon as the league starts again,” explained the Algerian winger.

“We are not currently top of the Premier League and that is where we want to be.”

Following their win against West Ham United on Monday, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal sit seven points clear at the top of the table, with City having dropped down to third after Newcastle’s victory over Leicester.

Despite the gap, Mahrez made it clear that the Gunners aren’t the only threat to their Premier League crown.

“There are lots of strong teams in England who could still win the league so we are not just focused on Arsenal, although they have been very good so far,” said Mahrez.

When looking ahead to Wednesday’s fixture, the 31 year-old expects a tough challenge from Jesse Marsch’s side, who beat both Liverpool and Chelsea prior to the World Cup break.

“Leeds are a big club and it’s a hard place to go but we know what to expect from them,” said Mahrez.

“We will be prepared for it and hopefully we can come away with the three points.”

City thrashed Leeds by an aggregate score of 11-0 across two fixtures last campaign however failed to beat the Yorkshire club during the 2020/21 season.