A stoppage-time winner from Phil Foden helped Manchester City escape a spirited Leeds fightback and secure a 3-2 win in the Premier League on Saturday. Having opened the scoring inside the first minute at the Etihad before firing off several other early chances, Foden will have watched on in dismay as he and his side found themselves level and under the cosh in the latter stages of a rainy afternoon in Manchester when clumsy defending opened the door for Leeds to cancel out his and Josko Gvardiol’s first-half goals.
An inspired half-time swap by Whites manager Daniel Farke was instantly rewarded when substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin first pounced to give his team a lifeline. Momentum shifted in favour of the visitors and less than 20 minutes later, the ex-Everton striker won a penalty which fellow forward Lukas Nmecha - a product of City’s academy - capitalised on at the second attempt, slotting home the rebound after Gianluigi Donnarumma saved his initial effort from the spot.
It looked to be anyone’s game in the closing stages as both sides pushed for a winner but in the end it was City that found one in the first of 10 minutes added on, with Foden tucking the ball home from the edge of the area and wheeling away in celebration. Defeat left Leeds, so close to securing a vital point to ease growing pressure on Farke and his squad, languishing in the relegation zone, while a hard-fought three points moved today’s hosts second in the top-flight as things stand. Relive all the action below with our dedicated match blog!
Man City vs Leeds latest news
- GOAL! Man City 3-2 Leeds: Foden curls in winner from edge of box
- GOAL! Man City 2-2 Leeds: Donnarumma saves penalty but taker Nmecha knocks in rebound
- GOAL! Man City 2-1 Leeds: Calvert-Lewin responses minutes after coming on
- GOAL! Man City 2-0 Leeds: Gvardiol pokes in City's second following corner
- GOAL! Man City 1-0 Leeds: Foden scores sweet strike in less than a minute
- Man City team news: Haaland back, one change from Newcastle loss
- Leeds team news: Five changes
- Score prediction
REACTION: Guardiola faces big call over 'resting' Haaland after Leeds blank
19:54 , Alex DakersPep Guardiola doesn’t know “if it’s good to rest” Erling Haaland after a quiet display by the Manchester City frontman during Saturday’s 3-2 win over Leeds at the Etihad.
Having started the 2025/26 season in blistering form, the Norwegian striker has now gone three games without a goal in all competitions. Far from crisis-inducing form, it still represents a noticeable dip compared to Haaland’s own usual lofty standards, particularly for a player on the verge of his 100th Premier League strike.
At full-time following his latest blank, after teammate Phil Foden had stepped up to deny Leeds a comeback for the ages, Haaland was seen engaged in an animated discussion with his manager on the Etihad pitch, prompting plenty of speculation as to what the pair were talking about.
When asked about Haaland’s unusually subdued performance, which saw the 25-year-old register just a single shot on goal a few minutes from the end of regulation, Guardiola sent a warning to upcoming opponents Fulham by insisting his centre forward will surpass the Premier League’s all-time leading scorer Alan Shearer as the quickest player to hit a century in the top flight the “next time” he steps on the pitch.
The City boss also pointed to Haaland’s lack of service, on a day where the majority of the team’s chances fell at the feet of an electric Foden, before suggesting that he’s unsure exactly how to help his side’s hitherto primary goal threat past his current blip.
REPORT: Phil Foden double helps hosts escape an Etihad slip-up
17:49 , Alex DakersPhil Foden scored a stoppage-time winner as Manchester City killed off a Leeds fightback to a snatch a dramatic 3-2 victory at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Struggling Leeds had remarkably fought back from 2-0 down at the interval to level and put themselves in sight of an unlikely and much-needed three points in the Premier League.
That would have eased the pressure on their under-fire manager Daniel Farke but Foden, who had begun the afternoon by scoring inside the opening minute, had other ideas.
As the game went into 10 added minutes, the England midfielder’s well-taken strike from the edge of the area found the bottom corner.
The goal was greeted with much relief by the hosts, who had looked comfortable after Josko Gvardiol had added to Foden’s early strike.
Leeds were revived by the half-time introduction of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who pulled one back after a blunder by Matheus Nunes and then won the penalty from which Lukas Nmecha equalised at the second attempt.
The frantic finish contrasted with a first half which City completely dominated.
In pictures: Foden's match-winner
17:25 , Alex Dakers
Scenes. pic.twitter.com/msM3xcgxI0
— Manchester City (@ManCity) November 29, 2025
FT: Man City 3-2 Leeds
17:02 , Alex DakersThe full-time whistle goes at the Etihad, and City escape a spirited Leeds fightback.
Pride to take from this performance for the visitors, but no more points on the board.
A sigh of relief for the hosts, who move to second in the Premier League as things stand!
Man City 3-2 Leeds
17:00 , Alex Dakers90+10mins: Time is just about up for Leeds, who are about to leave the Etihad emptyhanded after pushing for a winner of their own not so long ago.
Man City 3-2 Leeds
16:58 , Alex Dakers97mins: Leeds want a penalty as Brendan Aaronson, who came on for Tanaka just after Foden’s second goal, is blocked in his run towards goal.
A shake of the head from the referee means we play on.
Man City 3-2 Leeds
16:56 , Alex Dakers96mins: Pep Guardiola eating up the remaining time now, sending on John Stones for Jeremy Doku.
Still at least four minutes to play, though.
Man City 3-2 Leeds
16:56 , Alex Dakers96mins: Decent delivery by Gruev, Bijol and Calvert-Lewin both go for it and look to have gotten in each other’s way a bit.
Man City 3-2 Leeds
16:55 , Alex Dakers95mins: Free-kick to Leeds in a useful position, won by Calvert-Lewin.
GOAL! Man City 3-2 Leeds
16:51 , Alex Dakers90+1mins: FODEN SCORES AGAIN!
Is that the winner for Man City? The Etihad sure thinks so.
Heart-breaking for Leeds after such a spirited fightback, but it’s a lovely - vintage - Phil Foden goal, the England international receiving from Rayan Cherki, knocking it onto his left foot and curling it home from the edge of the area.
Man City 2-2 Leeds
16:51 , Alex Dakers90mins: TEN minutes added on at the Etihad!
Man City 2-2 Leeds
16:50 , Alex Dakers90mins: Marmoush nearly makes an instant impact, heading a Jeremy Doku cross into Lucas Perri’s arms.
Man City 2-2 Leeds
16:49 , Alex Dakers89mins: Erling Haaland had his first attempt on goal - a header - a moment ago, and now he’s getting some support up top as Marmoush replaces Bernardo.
Man City 2-2 Leeds
16:47 , Alex Dakers88mins: Guardiola making his second change momentarily, with Omar Marmoush coming on - for Bernardo Silva, we believe.
Man City 2-2 Leeds
16:47 , Alex Dakers87mins: Calvert-Lewin is flagged for offside again, but Leeds are all over City here at the Etihad.
The hosts can’t get out!
Yellow card to Gianluigi Donnarumma for dissent.
Man City 2-2 Leeds
16:46 , Alex Dakers86mins: Ampadu chucks another throw-in from a similar position into the box, heads it back in when it’s cleared back to him, but City clear their lines.
Leeds then think they have a corner, but Calvert-Lewin was offside.
Man City 2-2 Leeds
16:45 , Alex Dakers85mins: No luck for Leeds from said corner, though, or an Ethan Ampadu long-throw that follows it.
Man City 2-2 Leeds
16:44 , Alex Dakers84mins: Leeds have their first corner of the day, conceded by Nico O’Reilly.
The visitors sense they have a shot here, and who can blame them? What a comeback this has been, having looked pretty much down and out 2-0 down at half-time.
Man City 2-2 Leeds
16:43 , Alex Dakers83mins: Erling Haaland makes perhaps his most crucial contribution of the afternoon, heading away a dangerous Ao Tanaka cross from City’s goalmouth.
What was he doing back there?! The hosts will be glad he was, though.
Man City 2-2 Leeds
16:42 , Alex Dakers82mins: Lukas Nmecha, scorer of Leeds’ equaliser, is replaced by Noah Okafor.
Fresh legs to cause problems for City’s backline?
Still just the one change made by Pep Guardiola, four by Daniel Farke.
Man City 2-2 Leeds
16:41 , Alex Dakers80mins: A threatening Jeremy Doku cross is cleared by Leeds but City still have possession and work the ball around the penalty box before winning a corner...
... or so they thought. Offside against the hosts, sigh of relief for Leeds.
Here comes a change.
Man City 2-2 Leeds
16:40 , Alex Dakers80mins: Leeds skipper Ethan Ampadu is seen to for a potential concussion, and must wait to come back on.
Man City 2-2 Leeds
16:39 , Alex Dakers79mins: Noah Okafor is being readied by Daniel Farke now.
The Leeds manager smells a huge three points here at the Etihad!
Man City 2-2 Leeds
16:38 , Alex Dakers78mins: City try to pick their way through the Leeds box, but Lucas Perri is there to gobble the ball up.
Man City 2-2 Leeds
16:37 , Alex Dakers77mins: Erling Haaland has, by my count, still had zero shots.
Man City 2-2 Leeds
16:35 , Alex Dakers75mins: Pep Guardiola has seen enough - time for a change.
Reijnders off, Rayan Cherki on.
Man City 2-2 Leeds
16:34 , Alex Dakers73mins: City appeal for a penalty now, for a perceived foul on Bernardo Silva in the box as Leeds scramble the ball clear.
As VAR checks it, City come again and the visitors just about manage to send a Jeremy Doku cross-shot behind for a corner.
Man City 2-2 Leeds
16:32 , Alex Dakers72mins: A few minutes ago, in the aftermath of that goal, Daniel Farke sent on Gabriel Gudmundsson for Justin James at left-back.
GOAL! Man City 2-2 Leeds
16:28 , Alex Dakers68mins: Lukas Nmecha levels against his former club!
Gianluigi dives to his left to stop the Leeds striker’s initial effort from 12 yards, but Nmecha is well-placed to knock the rebound in.
Game on!
👊 Game on! pic.twitter.com/YaKkRL6YCP
— Leeds United (@LUFC) November 29, 2025
Man City 2-1 Leeds
16:26 , Alex Dakers66mins: PENALTY TO LEEDS!
Bogle nods the ball into the box, Calvert-Lewin chases it and is wiped out by a reckless, sliding Josko Gvardiol in the process.
VAR checks it, confirms it, and Leeds have a penalty while Gvardiol has a yellow card.
Man City 2-1 Leeds
16:26 , Alex Dakers66mins: It’s left-back James Justin who received treatment there.
He’s continuing for now, but Daniel Farke looks like he’s going to send Gabriel Gudmunsson on very shortly.
Man City 2-1 Leeds
16:25 , Alex Dakers64mins: City have gotten a firmer grip on this game again since that break in play.
Leeds have a man down now.
Man City 2-1 Leeds
16:20 , Alex Dakers60mins: We’ve resumed play now, but Joe Rodon was booked during that stoppage.
Not sure exactly why, but a few Leeds players didn’t look entirely happen with the fact that City were given a chance to have a team talk there. Donnarumma, as it turns out, is fine to carry on.
Man City 2-1 Leeds
16:18 , Alex Dakers58mins: Gianluigi Donnarumma hits the turf and signals for the physios to come and check him out, giving Pep Guardiola a chance to talk to his squad.
Leeds have had all three of the shots we’ve seen in this second half so far.
We have a game on our hands, folks!
Man City 2-1 Leeds
16:17 , Alex Dakers57mins: Now there’s another City yellow card, this time for Bernardo Silva, and a foul gives Leeds a chance to clear their lines.
Man City 2-1 Leeds
16:16 , Alex Dakers56mins: Ilia Gruev sends the ball in, but Donnarumma claims it.
City’s attempted breakway through Jeremy Doku is halted, cleanly says the referee.
Man City 2-1 Leeds
16:15 , Alex Dakers55mins: That goal has understandably given Leeds a burst of energy, and the visitors are putting pressure on City now.
The change of momentum continues as Matheus Nunes dashes back and clatters into Dominic Calvert-Lewin on the edge of the box after being beaten by the visiting goal-scorer on the halfway line.
Free-kick to Daniel Farke’s men, yellow card to Nunes.
GOAL! Man City 2-1 Leeds
16:10 , Alex Dakers49mins: A better start indeed, as Dominic Calvert-Lewin pulls one back for Leeds just minutes after coming on!
City first fail to clear their lines, allowing the ex-Everton striker to be sent through on goal. He then looks to have lost control of the ball, Calvert-Lewin, but a slack touch by Matheus Nunes gives it back to him and the striker slots home past Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Man City 2-0 Leeds
16:09 , Alex Dakers48mins: Ethan Ampadu has a shot from the centre of the box blocked, but that’s already a better start than Leeds managed in the first half.
(A low bar, of course, given Phil Foden’s opener came inside the first minute)
Second half begins
16:06 , Alex Dakers46mins: Daniel Farke rolls the dice and introduces Dominic Calvert-Lewin to the fray - that’ll probably be a front two with Lukas Nmecha, then, possibly with the latter supporting the former.
The other change sees centre-back Jaka Bijol come on.
It’s wingers Wilfried Gnonto and Dan James going off - a slightly curious choice, as I thought James was one of the few bright sparks for Leeds in that first half.
Leeds to make half-time subs
16:04 , Alex DakersChanges incoming for Leeds...
City comfortably on top
15:53 , Alex DakersIt’ll need to be a big pep talk from the Leeds manager, based on the half-time stats.
City have scored twice from their six shots on target and 14 total attempts on goal. They’ve had two thirds of the possession, 22 touches in Leeds’ penalty area and seven corners.
Oh, and that’s all with Erling Haaland - who is one away from becoming the fastest player to hit 100 Premier League goals - barely having a sniff!
The visitors, meanwhile, have touched the ball inside City’s box just five times and mustered only two shots, with neither of them on target.
HT: Man City 2-0 Leeds
15:50 , Alex DakersThe half-time whistle goes, and the visitors make it to the interval just two goals down - but goalkeeper Lucas Perri has been a busy man.
Can a Daniel Farke team talk spark a response from Leeds, or will City add to their advantage at the Etihad?
We’ll be back in action shortly to find out!
Man City 2-0 Leeds
15:49 , Alex Dakers45+3mins: Nico O’Reilly directs the ball towards goal with the top of his shoulder and Lucas Perri makes yet another crucial stop.
Man City 2-0 Leeds
15:46 , Alex Dakers45+1mins: Three minutes of stoppage time at the end of this first half.
Man City 2-0 Leeds
15:46 , Alex Dakers45mins: Foden’s delivery heads towards Gvardiol, and the play ends with another City corner from the opposite side.
Reijnders takes that one but it ends uneventfully, with Foden shooting wide from outside the box.
Man City 2-0 Leeds
15:45 , Alex Dakers45mins: The ball bobbles around in and near Leeds’ box for what seems like an age, and City fire off what seemed like about five shots in the space of 30 seconds.
Lucas Perri saves one, and the last of them from Reijnders is deflected out for a corner.
Man City 2-0 Leeds
15:43 , Alex Dakers43mins: Plenty of City players were standing over that dead-ball on the edge of the box, but it’s Reijnders who ends up sending it in...to the wall.
Man City 2-0 Leeds
15:42 , Alex Dakers42mins: Can Leeds make it to half-time without conceding a third?
It’s a long way back as it is, judging by how these opening 40 odd minutes have gone, but you get the sense a three-goal advantage would be entirely unsurmountable given how dominant City have been so far.
As we speak, the hosts have a free-kick in a dangerous area...
Man City 2-0 Leeds
15:40 , Alex Dakers40mins: Foden slips it through to Nunes and Leeds fans’ hearts are in their mouth, but the visitors scramble it clear.
Leeds get up the other end quickly, but can’t quite carve out a clear cut chance.
Man City 2-0 Leeds
15:39 , Alex Dakers38mins: Leeds try to get out of their own half by Nico Gonzalez clatters into Wilfried Gnonto.
The visiting winger comes off worse and stays down for a minute, and Daniel Farke’s side have the ball back with a free-kick.
They’ve not managed to get out of their half again yet, though.
Man City 2-0 Leeds
15:36 , Alex Dakers35mins: Another City corner now, whipped in by Foden, but Leeds clear this one initially.
It only falls as far Tijjani Reijnders, though, but the Dutchman’s long-range effort whistles over and slightly wide to the left.
Man City 2-0 Leeds
15:34 , Alex Dakers34mins: Daniel Farke will be far from happy with his side’s start to this game, but you’d imagine this man is pretty pleased...
Man City 2-0 Leeds
15:33 , Alex Dakers32mins: A relatively rare chance for Leeds to respond, but the visitors don’t quite make the most if it.
Dan James does well to gather a long ball on the right and bring it central, laying it off to Lukas Nmecha, but the former City youth player skies his effort from the edge of the box.
GOAL! Man City 2-0 Leeds
15:26 , Alex Dakers25mins: A slightly scrappy goal, but another goal for Man City nonetheless as Josko Gvardiol scrambles the ball in from a Reijnders corner that looks to have been flicked on by Nico O’Reilly.
But hang on... is there an offside in build-up?
It did look like Bernardo Silva may have been a little close to - impeding, if you will - Lucas Perri.
VAR checking... and says no to the offside question.
The goal stands!
Man City 1-0 Leeds
15:25 , Alex Dakers24mins: Very few - I’ve counted two - touches for Erling Haaland so far. Not that they’ve needed their striker yet, City, with Foden getting on the end of so many chances!
At the other end, no real saves for Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Man City 1-0 Leeds
15:23 , Alex Dakers22mins: Ruben Dias finds himself somewhat near the edge of Leeds’ box and decides to have a good, but it’s comfortably wide of the mark from City’s centre-back.
He scored against Newcastle last weekend, to be fair to him.
Man City 1-0 Leeds
15:21 , Alex Dakers20mins: Another chance for City, another chance for Foden.
Doku sends Nico O’Reilly to the byline, the young left-back cuts it back across goal and Foden’s effort is blocked brilliantly by James Justin.
The follow-up from Nico Gonzalez is deflected out for a corner to the hosts, which comes to nothing.
Man City 1-0 Leeds
15:18 , Alex Dakers17mins: Jeremy Doku tries to slip the ball through to goal-scorer Phil Foden, but Leeds get away with one when the England international can’t quite reach the delivery with his outstretched boot.
City's quick start
15:17 , Alex DakersSafe to say Leeds fans aren’t best pleased with their side conceding after just 59 seconds.
The 7-0 loss they suffered against this opponent in 2021 might be on a few minds...
Keep it single figures please lads
— BobbyGonda (@chanpaxian) November 29, 2025
Man City 1-0 Leeds
15:16 , Alex Dakers16mins: Reijnders whips the ball in, but Leeds clear their box.
Man City 1-0 Leeds
15:16 , Alex Dakers15mins: Wilfried Gnonto lashes out a little clumsily from the floor and Tijjani Reijnders wins a free-kick out wide.
No booking for the Leeds man.
Man City 1-0 Leeds
15:13 , Alex Dakers11mins: Before today, Leeds had scored each of their last four Premier league goals in the opening 15 minutes of games.
They’re running out of time to find an equaliser in that brief timeframe, but Daniel Farke’s side are at least seeing a little more of the ball in these last few minutes.
Josko Gvardiol got a crucial touch to send a through ball back to Gianluigi Donnarumma a few moments ago, or Lukas Nmecha might have been in on goal.
Man City 1-0 Leeds
15:10 , Alex Dakers9mins: An indirect free-kick from Leeds falls into a threatening area in City’s box, but the hosts get it clear before a player in black can get a shot away.
Better from the visitors, though.
Man City 1-0 Leeds
15:08 , Alex Dakers7mins: A shell-shocked Leeds have struggled to find a foothold in this game since that opener.
City have had nearly three quarters of the ball so far.
GOAL! Man City 1-0 Leeds
15:02 , Alex Dakers1mins: Well, that was fast - Phil Foden opens the scoring!
City work the ball out to Matheus Nunes, who cuts into the box from the right and pings the ball into a dangerous area where Foden meets it with a lovely first-time finish that clips the underside of the crossbar on its way in.
Just 59 seconds on the clock when that hit the back of the net.
KO: Man City 0-0 Leeds
15:01 , Alex DakersWe’re underway at the Etihad!
Three quick stats
15:00 , Alex DakersMan City have won their last four Premier League games against Leeds, netting 16 goals in total during that time.
Leeds, meanwhile, have lost their last two away games in the league against City, to the tune of a resounding 7-0 in 2021 and a slightly closer 2-1 in 2023.
Against newly-promoted clubs, City have won 23 and drawn two of their last 25 Premier League games.
Their last defeat in such a scenario? At home to Leeds in April 2021!
Players on the pitch - and Haaland in the stands
14:58 , Alex DakersBoth squads emerge from the dug-out as “Hey Jude” rings out on the loudspeakers.
In the stands today, Alf-Inge Haaland - former Leeds and Man City player, and father of Erling.
Chance for City to close gap to Arsenal
14:55 , Alex DakersThey’ve had their worst start to a Premier League season (22 points from 12 games) for five years, and their second-worst under Pep Guardiola - but this is a big chance for Man City to close the gap to leaders Arsenal (see the current league table below), who must travel to face in-form Chelsea tomorrow.
City’s players are being announced one by one at the rain-strewn Etihad now.
Countdown to kick-off...
14:50 , Alex DakersWarm-ups have wrapped up at the Etihad.
Not long to go now!
🔥 Getting warm! pic.twitter.com/kCjrYwsTXs
— Leeds United (@LUFC) November 29, 2025
🇧🇪💫 pic.twitter.com/3nsPNbcyfn
— Manchester City (@ManCity) November 29, 2025
As it stands: The Premier League table
14:45 , Alex DakersA reminder of where everyone stands in the Premier League table before this weekend’s action gets underway...
City could go second with a win or even a draw (given their goal difference) today, before Chelsea host leaders Arsenal tomorrow.
If Leeds can grab a point or three, they will - at least momentarily - escape from the relegation zone.
Around the country, our other 3pm kick-offs are Brentford vs Burnley and Sunderland vs Bournemouth.
Later on, we have Everton vs Newcastle plus a London derby of Tottenham vs Fulham!
City's big fellas up front and at the back
14:33 , Alex DakersAs much as Erling Haaland’s goals will be required at one end of the pitch...
... Gianluigi Donnarumma’s commanding presence between the posts could prove just as crucial at the other end.
Will Leeds manage to find a way past the Italian today? He’s kept a respectable four clean sheets in his nine Premier League appearances so far, conceding six goals in that time.
Half an hour until kick-off!
14:30 , Alex DakersJust 30 minutes to go until we’re scheduled to get this weekend’s Premier League action underway.
Who will come out on top at the Etihad?
We’ll soon find out!
Inside the dressing room
14:25 , Alex DakersTeam 👊🩵 pic.twitter.com/XhU1p2vpg8
— Manchester City (@ManCity) November 29, 2025
Leeds in the building
14:18 , Alex Dakers🫡 #LUFC arrive at the Etihad! pic.twitter.com/IyS56hiXWh
— Leeds United (@LUFC) November 29, 2025
Another record in Haaland's sights
14:15 , Alex DakersOf course, there is another player who has been even more instrumental to City’s recent successes...
Erling Haaland returns to the city of his birth today having already scored 14 Premier League goals this season, with plenty more in the Champions League plus international football for Norway.
Across his career in England, the big fella currently has 99 goals to his name.
If he scores against Leeds today during his 110th game in England’s top flight, he’ll become the quickest player to hit a century of Premier League goals, doing so in 14 fewer matches than all-time leading scorer Alan Shearer.
Ahead of kick-off, City skipper Bernardo Silva was full of praise for the Norwegian striker.
“We know he's going to do his job, so it's up to us to give him as many chances as possible,” the long-serving midfielder said.
“After all, he's a machine, he's so strong physically – when he has a metre, it's a lot.
Bernardo added: “It's very difficult for the defender to stop him and to have a player like that with us, it’s very important.
“It makes all the difference. Of course it does.”
Playmaker: Jeremy Doku
14:15 , Alex DakersJeremy Doku ranks first in the Premier League for creating Opta-defined ‘big chances’ (six) so far this season, and sits behind only Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes for total chances created (27).
He put in a Man of the Match performance in the win against Liverpool here before the November international break - how crucial will the Belgian winger be to City’s success in breaking Leeds down today?
Five changes for Leeds with Farke under pressure
14:10 , Alex DakersDaniel Farke is reportedly under pressure at Elland Road after a run of five losses from six games has seen Leeds fall to 18th in the Premier League table.
As such, he makes five changes to the team that lined up for last weekend’s loss to Aston Villa.
Two are enforced, with Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff out due to concussion protocols and a calf injury, respectively. They’re replaced in the middle of the park by Ilia Gruev and Ao Tanaka, as we predicted.
Less expected, but perhaps unsurprisingly given the club’s poor form, are changes on both wings - Brendan Aaronson and Noah Okafor out, Wilfried Gnonto and Dan James in. Both the incoming players came off the bench against Villa last weekend, with Welshman James thinking he had equalised only for an offside to be called.
The fifth and final change made by Farke sees Gabriel Gudmundsson - had started every other league match so far - replaced at left-back by James Justin, who makes his first start for the Whites since joining from Leicester this summer.
One change for City: Cherki out, Reijnders in
14:00 , Alex DakersFor Man City, there are - as expected - plenty of changes to the heavily rotated team that lost to Bayer Leverkusen during the week, but just one compared to the XI that lined up at St James’ Park last weekend.
That single swap sees Rayan Cherki drop out of the starting line-up in favour of Tijjani Reijnders, a move that should see Phil Foden deployed a little further forward.
Otherwise, it’s an unchanged backline from the one used in the loss to Newcastle as the in-form Nico O’Reilly keeps summer signing Rayan Ait-Nouri out of the side at left-back, with Matheus Nunes keeping his place on the opposite flank. Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias remain the central defensive partnership, in front of shot-stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
There’s still no Rodri, with the Ballon d’Or injury recovering from injury, so Nico Gonzalez and skipper Bernardo Silva continue in midfield alongside Reijnders, who enjoyed a strong start to life in the Premier League but had dropped out of Pep Guardiola’s preferred starting group recently.
There’s no surprise to see league-leading goal-scorer Erling Haaland leading the line after his midweek rest and with another record on the line (more on that shortly...), with crafty winger Jeremy Doku coming back in on the left of City’s attack.
Team news reaction
13:55 , Alex DakersAny surprises with those line-ups, City/Leeds fans?
Let’s break them down...
Leeds confirmed starting line-up and subs
13:51 , Alex DakersLeeds XI: Perri; Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Justin; Gruev, Ampadu, Tanaka; James, Nmecha, Gnonto
Subs: Meslier, Byram, Gudmundsson, Bijol, Harrison, Aaronson, Okafor, Piroe, Calvert-Lewin
Man City confirmed starting line-up and subs
13:48 , Alex DakersMan City XI: Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Nico, Bernardo, Reijnders; Foden, Haaland, Doku
Subs: Trafford, Stones, Ake, Marmoush, Cherki, Ait-Nouri, Savinho, Khusanov, Lewis
TEAM NEWS: LEEDS
13:46 , Alex DakersAs for today’s visitors...
📋 Your #LUFC XI... pic.twitter.com/EXuZSCg4Nz
— Leeds United (@LUFC) November 29, 2025
TEAM NEWS: MAN CITY
13:45 , Alex DakersIt’s here!
Your City side to face Leeds! 💪🩵
— Manchester City (@ManCity) November 29, 2025
XI | Donnarumma, Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly, Nico, Bernardo (C), Reijnders, Foden, Doku, Haaland
SUBS | Trafford, Stones, Ake, Marmoush, Cherki, Ait-Nouri, Savinho, Khusanov, Lewis
🤝 @etihad pic.twitter.com/561jvqiDBa
A rainy day in Manchester...
13:38 , Alex DakersSome wet weather today in Manchester, but let’s hope an entertaining afternoon of football picks the dreary British winter atmosphere up a bit!
Team news incoming
13:31 , Alex DakersWe’re expecting confirmed starting line-ups in the next 15 minutes.
As soon as they land, we’ll bring them to you right here!
Away days at the Etihad
13:27 , Alex Dakers👊 Away days! pic.twitter.com/E1DkrW131u
— Leeds United (@LUFC) November 29, 2025
What happened in the Premier League last weekend?
13:22 , Alex DakersLast time out, Man City slipped to a 2-1 defeat by Newcastle United at St James’ Park to hand league leaders Arsenal an advantage in the title race.
In an enthralling end-to-end affair in the north east, Harvey Barnes struck a brace for the Toon - who ended their own winless run in the league - either side of a Ruben Dias equaliser, with the raucous Geordie faithful roaring their side to a three crucial points.
City had been hoping to cut Arsenal’s lead at the summit to just a single point ahead of Sunday’s north London derby, but they were beaten by a workhorse Newcastle side who had the luck of VAR smiling down on them.
Firstly, Fabian Schar escaped conceding a first-half penalty after his late challenge on Phil Foden, and then Bruno Guimaraes was found to have not stepped offside as he nodded against the crossbar before Barnes turned home the rebound for his and the hosts’ second on 70 minutes.
Both sides had chances aplenty in the first period, with Erling Haaland and Nick Woltemade denied by Nick Pope and Gianluigi Donnarumma countless times as neither striker could add to their already impressive top-flight tallies.
Results elsewhere would leave City third in the Premier League table, seven points back from Arsenal and one down from Chelsea.
As for Leeds, Lukas Nmecha gave Daniel Farke’s men an early lead at Elland Road last Sunday - but a lovely double from Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers undid all the good work from the Whites’ first half, leading to a 2-1 loss for the hosts.
The early loss of Anton Stach, who supplied the assist for Nmecha, was undoubtedly a blow, and as we reported earlier the German midfielder will be absent from the Etihad today due to concussion protocols.
But with or without their summer signing, five losses and 13 goals conceded in six matches is not the sort of form that sees a team avoid the drop back down to the Championship.
Leeds largely muscled Villa out of the game in an intense first 45 minutes last weekend before running of steam. Farke will hope his side can sustain that pressure to make life uncomfortable for Pep Guardiola’s troops, but City may be aware that their opponent’s left flank has been a weak point recently.
Ultimately, that latest defeat left Leeds inside the relegation zone on goal difference coming into this weekend’s matches.
Man City vs Leeds match odds
13:17 , Alex DakersMan City to win: 2/9
Leeds to win: 10/1
Draw: 4/1
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
Head to head (h2h) history and results
13:12 , Alex DakersMan City have won the last four meetings against Leeds since a shock 2-1 home defeat during their 2020-21 Premier League title-winning campaign.
Man City wins: 49
Leeds wins: 43
Draws: 18
Man City vs Leeds prediction
13:07 , Alex DakersSimply put, this is a must-win fixture for Man City. With Arsenal and Chelsea playing each other on Sunday, this is an opportunity for Guardiola’s side to ensure they take advantage of dropped points elsewhere.
Prior to the Leverkusen loss, City were in great form and we expect them to record a comfortable win over Leeds with a number of big-hitters back in the team.
Man City to win, 3-0.
Man City and Leeds predicted line-ups
13:00 , Alex DakersWe’ll have the confirmed team line-ups for you as soon as they’re released by each club in about 45 minutes.
In the meantime, here’s what we reckon Guardiola and Farke will go with today based on what we know...
Predicted Man City XI (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Silva, Nico, Foden; Cherki, Haaland, Doku
Predicted Leeds XI (4-3-3): Perri; Bogle, Rodon, Struijk; Gudmundsson; Gruev, Ampadu, Tanaka; Aaronson, Nmecha, Okafor
Leeds early team news: Stach and Longstaff out
12:55 , Alex DakersLeeds will definitely be without Anton Stach due to concussion protocols after the midfielder landed awkwardly following an aerial challenge with Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez last week.
Sean Longstaff will also be out for at least four - and possibly as many as six - weeks with a calf injury, under pressure manager Daniel Farke revealed this week, and there’ll also be a late call on defender Sebastiaan Bornauw, who has been dealing with a knee injury.
Ao Tanaka is likely to get the nod in the engine room, but Farke has no other injury concerns ahead of the daunting fixture.
Man City early team news: Changes expected after midweek defeat
12:50 , Alex DakersPep Guardiola’s decision to make ten changes for the midweek Champions League tie ultimately backfired and he will be expected to recall most, if not all, for the visit of Leeds.
This means Gianluigi Donnarumma should replace James Trafford in goal and Erling Haaland - born in Leeds - is restored up front as he bids to extend his lead at the top of the Premier League scoring charts.
Elsewhere, the likes of Ruben Dias, Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki are all in line to start.
Rodri could miss out again as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury that has sidelined him since the win over Bournemouth, while Mateo Kovacic is a long-term absentee.
A big three points on offer for both sides
12:44 , Alex DakersFor the second straight matchweek, Man City play before leaders Arsenal and will be desperate to take advantage after losing to Newcastle last Saturday.
Defeat at St James’ Park coupled with victory for the Gunners over Tottenham, saw Pep Guardiola’s side slip to third place in the table, with Chelsea climbing above them, and seven points off the summit.
To compound matters even further, a heavily rotated City side were beaten 2-0 by Bayer Leverkusen in midweek which means they go into this game hoping to avoid a third straight loss across all competitions.
Leeds, however, have lost their last three, conceding eight goals in the process and begin the weekend in the relegation zone ahead of a brutal run of fixtures that sees them host Chelsea and then Liverpool next week.
Where to watch Man City vs Leeds
12:40 , Alex DakersBad news... due to the Saturday 3pm blackout, Man City vs Leeds won’t be televised live in the UK.
Thankfully, you can follow all the action on matchday right here in Standard Sport’s live blog!
And if you want to see any more of the highlights, the Sky Sports app and YouTube channel will carry those from 5.15pm GMT with Match of the Day broadcasting on BBC One at 10.25pm.
When does Man City vs Leeds kick off?
12:35 , Alex DakersMan City vs Leeds is scheduled for a 3pm GMT kick-off today, Saturday, November 29, 2025.
The match will take place at Etihad Stadium, in Manchester.
Manchester City vs Leeds United LIVE with Standard Sport
12:29 , Alex DakersGood afternoon and welcome to Standard Sport’s live blog coverage of today’s Premier League clash between Manchester City and Leeds United.
The two clubs come into this tie having narrowly lost their most recent outings in England’s top flight, and a win for either side could have big implications at both ends of the league table heading into the busy winter period.
With kick-off fast approaching, stick with us as we bring you everything you need to know about today’s game - from timings, team news and key stats to match odds, analysis and all the latest updates.
