Manchester City return to Premier League action on Saturday afternoon desperate to halt a worrying slide in form, with Pep Guardiola pushing for a response after back-to-back defeats derailed what had been a confident run.
Losses to Newcastle and Bayer Leverkusen have exposed cracks in a team usually defined by control, rhythm and authority.
Now, against newly promoted Leeds United, the task is simple: steady the ship, reinforce stability and restore belief.
Guardiola rarely dwells on setbacks, but even he will view the last two outings as missed opportunities.
The 2–1 defeat at St James’ Park last weekend was followed by a flat Champions League performance in mid-week, leaving City looking vulnerable in areas where they are typically at their strongest.
The defensive structure that has underpinned so much of their success has appeared shaky, their transitions looser, and their attacking combinations less fluid than usual. Saturday at the Etihad offers City the chance to course-correct.
Leeds, lively and energetic but still adjusting to Premier League tempo, arrive with intent but without the pedigree or depth of Guardiola’s side.
Even so, nothing can be taken for granted when confidence has dipped. Guardiola is expected to approach this match with a more balanced and disciplined setup, and several players rested in mid-week are anticipated to return.
Below is our Man City predicted line-up vs Leeds United as they try to recover momentum.
Gvardiol Expected to Start as City Aim for Stability
In goal, Gianluigi Donnarumma is expected to reclaim his place after being rested for James Trafford during the Champions League loss.
Donnarumma’s commanding presence and distribution have become central to Guardiola’s structure, and his return should help settle a back line that has looked unsettled in recent weeks.
At left-back, Josko Gvardiol is likely to be recalled ahead of Nico O’Reilly.
Guardiola values security and physical presence, and Gvardiol provides both. His ability to tuck into central spaces while building possession gives City additional control.
Alongside him, Ruben Dias remains one of Guardiola’s most trusted defensive leaders. His consistency and organisational qualities are invaluable, especially during moments of collective dip.
Dias has been an ever-present figure and is expected to anchor the defence again.
The spotlight, however, will be on John Stones, who endured a disappointing performance against Bayer Leverkusen. Stones, typically so composed, struggled with the German side’s quick interchanges.
Still, Guardiola considers him essential to City’s flexible system, and Stones will see this match as a chance to reassert his influence.
On the right side of the defence, Matheus Nunes continues in the full-back role he has adapted to impressively.
His athleticism and ball-carrying ability have allowed City to attack with width while retaining midfield balance.
Midfield trio of Nico Gonzalez, Silva and Foden
Midfield will carry added significance due to the ongoing absence of Rodri, whose absence has been deeply felt.
In the holding role, Nico Gonzalez is expected to step in once again. Still new to this responsibility at Premier League speed, Gonzalez has shown maturity and intelligence in possession, although the team has lacked Rodri’s stabilising presence.
Bernardo Silva, wearing the captain’s armband this season, remains undroppable.
His leadership, press resistance and creative instincts make him one of Guardiola’s most important players, especially during stretches when the team’s confidence wavers.
Pushing higher up the pitch, Phil Foden is set to return after being given a rest in mid-week.
Foden’s energy, sharp movement and ability to accelerate combinations have been missed, and his reintroduction should give City a more dynamic attacking structure.
Doku and Cherki to provide width as Haaland returns up front
City’s wide areas could be decisive. On the left, Jeremy Doku is expected to start.
The Belgian winger has been among the most impressive players in the league this season, consistently stretching opponents and creating overloads.
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His pace and directness pose problems for any defence, and his form makes him nearly impossible to bench.
On the opposite flank, Rayan Cherki looks set to regain his starting spot after Guardiola opted for Savinho during the Champions League fixture.
Cherki’s creativity, close control and eye for a final pass give City a very different dimension—particularly when opponents defend deep.
Through the middle, Erling Haaland leads the line once again. Rested in Europe—a decision that backfired badly given the 2–0 defeat—Haaland will be charged with driving City back into form.
His physicality, movement and ruthlessness in front of goal remain unmatched, and a match against a newly-promoted side gives him an ideal opportunity to reassert his dominance.
Haaland’s presence also helps unlock City’s wide players, with defences forced to collapse around him.
The interplay between Haaland, Doku, Foden and Cherki could be decisive in determining how assertive City appear early on.
Man City Predicted Line-Up vs Leeds United: Donnarumma, Gvardiol, John Stones, Ruben Dias, Matheus Nunes, Nico Gonzalez, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku, Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland