Leeds United vs Manchester City predictions and betting tips – Guardiola’s side aim to close gap

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Manchester City have the chance to move within two points of Arsenal (at least temporarily) in the Premier League title race this weekend.However, Leeds United have been difficult to beat over the last couple of months. Is there a surprise in store at Elland Road, or will Pep Guardiola’s side do what they need to do?Manchester City with a -1.5 handicap – 31/20 with 247BetManchester City to win the first half – 23/20 with QuinnBetErling Haaland to score any time – 8/11 with BoyleSportsLeeds United vs Manchester City oddsFind the latest Leeds United vs Manchester City betting odds here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakers and are subject to change.Leeds United vs Manchester City predictionsFor the third Premier League matchday in a row, Manchester City will play before Arsenal this weekend. That is an advantage in a title race – but only if they make the most of it.In the most recent midweek round of fixtures, City breezed past Fulham and then watched with delight when Arsenal dropped two points against Wolverhampton Wanderers, one of the worst teams in the division’s modern history.Last weekend City edged out Newcastle United 2-1 in a tight, tense encounter at the Etihad Stadium. This time, Arsenal responded with aplomb. A 4-1 thumping of arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur restored the Gunners’ five-point cushion at the summit of the standings.City still have a game in hand on Mikel Arteta’s men, and this weekend they have the chance to once again put pressure on the league leaders.Having finished as runners-up in three consecutive campaigns, Arsenal are desperate to get over the line this season. City, who have won six of the last eight titles, will feel that anything they get is a bonus.Yet that does not mean Arsenal are the only ones liable to feel the heat. It is true that this was earmarked as a transitional season for City, but now that they have got themselves in a position to challenge, Pep Guardiola and his players would be disappointed with a second-place finish.Their results of late have been good – four wins in their last five league games – but City are still not entirely convincing. They continue to struggle to control games, as evidenced by their nervousness in the closing stages against Newcastle last time out.Guardiola is trying his best to present himself as laid-back about the title race, no doubt in an attempt to put the pressure on Arsenal.“I say to the players: ‘Guys, what we have to do is take a lot of caipirinhas, daiquiris in these three days [off],” Guardiola said after the defeat of Newcastle “Enjoy life. And after that, make a proper three training sessions, and go to Leeds.”City must not be relaxed on Saturday, though. Leeds have lost only two of their last dozen top-flight contests, edging them clear of relegation trouble.The Whites are by no means out of danger yet, but another couple of wins might be enough for them to preserve their top-flight status.Leeds United vs Manchester City betting tipsLeeds United welcome Manchester City to Elland Road in Saturday’s late kick-off. Man City to triumphLeeds United’s revival began when Daniel Farke switched to a three-man defence against Manchester City in November.Leeds ultimately lost that game 3-2, but the tactical switch paid dividends in the weeks that followed.The Whites have become a tough nut to crack. They have only lost one match by more than a one-goal margin since November 9.Arsenal were their conquerors on that occasion, winning 4-0 at Elland Road last month. City are unlikely to triumph quite so handsomely, but a victory by two clear goals is within their capability.  Manchester City with a -1.5 handicap at 31/20 with 247Bet City to make strong startManchester City led Newcastle United 2-1 at half-time last Saturday, maintaining their fantastic record from minutes one to 45.City have held an advantage at the interval in 18 of their 27 league games in 2025/26. Arsenal and Chelsea are next on that list with 13 first-half wins.Leeds United will aim to make life difficult for their opponents from the first whistle on Saturday, but City’s quality in forward areas is likely to make the difference.There is a good chance Guardiola’s men will be in the lead when the two teams head down the tunnel at the break. Manchester City to win the first half at 23/20 with QuinnBet Haaland to find netErling Haaland returns to the city of his birth this weekend looking to increase his lead at the top of the goal charts.Having found the back of the net 22 times this term, the Norway international is the odds-on favourite for the Golden Boot. Haaland did not manage to trouble the scoresheet against Newcastle United, but he looked sharp throughout and provided the assist for Nico O’Reilly’s second goal.A similar showing at Elland Road will probably end with Haaland making the net bulge against Leeds United for the first time this campaign. Erling Haaland to score any time at 8/11 with BoyleSports Leeds United vs Manchester City predicted lineupsLeeds United expected lineup: Darlow; Justin, Rodon, Struijk; Bogle, Ampadu, Gruev, Gudmundsson; Stach, Aaronson; Calvert-Lewin.Manchester City expected lineup: Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Guehi, Ait-Nouri; Rodri, O’Reilly; Bernardo, Foden; Semenyo, Haaland. Where to watch Leeds United vs Manchester CityLocation: Elland Road, Leeds, England.Date and time: Saturday 28th February, 5.30pm.How to watch: Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.More Premier League predictionsWe have plenty more Premier League predictions and picks – find our latest betting tips from expert punters in our match preview overview.About the authorGreg LeaGreg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootballCommercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.orgRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.Most read in BettingLeeds vs Man City mega boost: Calvert-Lewin & Semenyo 2/1 to get 1+ SOT on ToteGet a free placepot on Tote this weekend plus £30 free bets when you bet £10Champions League odds: Gunners 5/2 faves as City and Madrid meet again in the last 16Liverpool v West Ham 12/1 Bet Builder: Bet £10 and get £50 in free bets with BetfredUse bet365 code TSPORT to get £30 in free bets ahead of Wolves vs Aston VillaMan Utd vs Crystal Palace 20/1 bet builder featuring Cunha and Mitchell on Betfred