Manchester City is set to face Leeds United at the Etihad Stadium, aiming to bounce back from recent setbacks. After a strong start to the season, two consecutive losses have raised concerns about their title challenge. The most recent defeat was a 2-0 loss to Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League, preceded by a 2-1 defeat against Newcastle United in the Premier League. Pep Guardiola's decision to heavily rotate the squad for the Champions League match backfired, disrupting the team's rhythm.
In team news for Manchester City, Rodri remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, and Mateo Kovacic is still out with an ankle issue. Gianluigi Donnarumma is expected to return in goal, and Matheus Nunes is likely to continue at right-back. Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol are anticipated to form the center-back partnership, with Nico O'Reilly completing the defensive line. Nico Gonzalez is expected to fill in for Rodri in midfield, potentially alongside Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva. Rayan Cherki, who has shown promise on the right flank, is likely to return to the starting lineup, joining Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku in attack.
Leeds United, currently in the relegation zone, will be without Longstaff and Stach, with Bornauw being doubtful. Anton Stach suffered a head injury in the defeat to Aston Villa, and Sebastiaan Bornauw has been out since mid-October.
Meanwhile, at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland will host Bournemouth in a Premier League match where both teams are looking to improve their recent form. Sunderland, returning to the Premier League, have had a good start to the season. However, their recent form has been inconsistent, with a three-match winless run consisting of two draws and one loss. In their last match, they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Fulham. Bournemouth's form has also dipped recently, with only one win in their last five matches. Despite this, they are level on points with Sunderland in the league standings.
Sunderland doesn't have any fresh injury concerns, while Bournemouth hopes Antoine Semenyo will be fit enough to return after missing last week's game due to an ankle knock. Bournemouth will be without injured duo Justin Kluivert and Ben Gannon-Doak.
Sunderland's matches have seen a league-low of eight goals before half-time. Bournemouth have conceded two or more goals in their last four away fixtures.
