If you could pick a game to have as your first in a new job, away to Manchester City would be pretty far down the list. Sam Allardyce steps into the fire as Leeds United job, managing the biggest club he has ever been involved with. Can Big Sam find something in his favour in this crucial first match?
Manchester City News
Expect City to line up in their now-common 3-4-1-2 formation. They are only missing Kevin de Bruyne for this one. Despite his qualities, they have enough depth and cover to be able to comfortably handle the loss of their talismanic playmaker.
Given they play Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League semi finals next week, he likely would not have been risked for this one anyway.
Leeds United News
Leeds have a bit more work to do on the injury front. Tyler Adams is almost certain to miss out, as is Luis Sinisterra after he was injured at the wrong time. Leeds are also without Marcelo Bielsa era stalwarts in Liam Cooper and Stuart Dallas. Dallas has missed the whole season and is not likely to return until next year.
Verdict
Really, the best that Leeds can hope for is that self-proclaimed Leeds fan Erling Haaland decides to show mercy on his boyhood team. The Whites have little to no hope of getting anything from a team that looks almost certain to go and win at least the league title – though has its eyes set on a treble. Home win.
Score Prediction: 3-0