Match Preview: Leeds United vs Manchester City (Premier League)

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City return to Premier League action on Wednesday night following the mid-season break for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The reigning English top-flight champions find themselves eight points adrift heading into the clash against Leeds United, after Arsenal came from behind against West Ham on Boxing Day to extend their lead – albeit potentially temporarily.

Manchester City will be keen to right the wrongs from prior to the World Cup, as a 1-2 home defeat to Ivan Toney and Brentford left the first half of the season on a slightly sour note. However, the 3-2 win over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup fourth round will certainly have lifted spirits and handed the players the perfect motivation to take on Jesse Marsch’s side in high hopes.

Leeds find themselves in the middle of somewhat of a relegation battle, as they sit 15th in the Premier League table on 15 points, although do have two games in hand on the teams around them before the meeting with Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola has a number of selection headaches caused through absence and fitness problems heading into the trip to Elland Road.

Ruben Dias will remain sidelined as the Portugal international continues to recover from a muscular problem sustained at the World Cup, while Kalvin Phillips continues to return to full match readiness after Pep Guardiola revealed that the England international had returned from his post-World Cup break “overweight”.

Julian Alvarez is understood to be en route back to England following his World Cup celebrations with winners Argentina, but the Premier League return will come too soon for the 22 year-old.

When?

Leeds United against Manchester City will take place on Wednesday 28 December, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 (BST).

Where?

Manchester City’s return to Premier League action following the FIFA World Cup will take place at Elland Road in Leeds.

How to Watch?

You can watch the match live on Amazon Prime Video in the UK.

For full details on where you can watch the game live from around the world, and live stream links, tap here.