Mansion Sports – The 2025/2026 Premier League season presents another compelling fixture as Manchester City prepare to host Leeds United on matchday 13.

The match will take place at the Etihad Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for Saturday, 29 November 2025 at 15:00 local time.

Both teams are aiming to recover from disappointing results in the previous week, making this encounter an important opportunity to rebuild lost momentum.

This meeting also marks their first Premier League clash since May 2023, when two first-half goals from Ilkay Gündogan secured a 2–1 victory for Manchester City on home soil.

Before the action begins, here is a comprehensive overview of the projected lineups for Manchester City vs Leeds United in November 2025.

Team Form and Conditions Ahead of the Match

Manchester City

Pep Guardiola’s 100th Champions League match as Manchester City manager ended in frustration after heavy rotation led to a 2–0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday night.

The loss was City’s first home defeat in a Champions League group-stage match in more than seven years.

Guardiola’s decision to make ten changes against the Bundesliga contenders did not pay off, resulting in an uncharacteristically disjointed performance. Several players who were handed opportunities struggled to deliver, prompting Guardiola to admit that such extensive rotation was “excessive.”

This defeat followed a 2–1 loss to Newcastle United in the Premier League just three days earlier, ending City’s run of four straight wins in all competitions.

The consecutive setbacks have pushed them down to third place in the table, trailing leaders Arsenal by seven points.

As they prepare for this fixture, City are seeking a revival. They have won their last four Premier League meetings with Leeds, scoring 16 goals in total, including the emphatic 7–0 victory in December 2021.

City are also targeting a sixth consecutive home win with a margin of at least two goals—a feat they last achieved between January and May 2023.

Additionally, they boast an outstanding record against promoted teams, having won 23 of their last 25 matches against newly promoted sides.

Leeds United

Leeds United enter this match in a difficult stretch of form. They face a demanding run against Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool after losing five of their last six Premier League matches, including three straight defeats to Brighton (3–0), Nottingham Forest (3–1), and Aston Villa (2–1).

As in the match against Forest, Leeds took the lead against Aston Villa through former Manchester City academy player Lukas Nmecha.

However, they failed to maintain control, and two goals from Morgan Rogers extended Leeds’ losing streak to seven matches this season.

Interestingly, Leeds’ last four Premier League goals have all been scored within the opening 15 minutes, making them the most productive team in that early phase.
Yet overall, they have scored only 11 goals from 12 matches, with only Wolves having scored fewer this season.

Manager Daniel Farke has faced growing scrutiny over tactical decisions, particularly as Leeds have conceded in nine consecutive matches.

They have dropped into the relegation zone, though they sit level on points with West Ham, who occupy a safe position.

Leeds’ record at the Etihad Stadium also poses concern. They have lost their last two visits, and the last time they endured a longer losing run away to Manchester City occurred between 1963 and 1968.

Despite this, Farke may draw confidence from his memorable win over Manchester City while managing Norwich in 2019.

Projected Lineups for Manchester City vs Leeds United (November 2025)

Manchester City (4-2-3-1)

Manchester City will once again be without Mateo Kovacic and Rodri. Kovacic continues his recovery from ankle and heel issues, while Rodri remains sidelined due to a hamstring injury.

Their absence is likely to give Nico Gonzalez another starting opportunity in midfield, marking his seventh consecutive appearance.

Guardiola is expected to revert to his strongest lineup after the extensive rotation against Leverkusen.

The back line is projected to feature Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, and Nico O’Reilly ahead of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. In midfield, Bernardo Silva or Tijjani Reijnders could partner Gonzalez. 

Jeremy Doku, Phil Foden, and Rayan Cherki are anticipated to occupy the attacking midfield roles behind Erling Haaland—the Leeds-born striker who is chasing his 100th Premier League goal at record pace and has scored in each of his last five appearances at the Etihad.

Manchester City Starting XI Table

Leeds United (4-3-3)

Anton Stach has been ruled out after sustaining a head injury against Aston Villa and will follow concussion protocols.

Sean Longstaff is also sidelined for four to six weeks due to a calf injury, while Sebastiaan Bornauw faces a late fitness test after experiencing knee discomfort.

With Stach and Longstaff unavailable, Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev are expected to start, supported by Ethan Ampadu, who is one booking away from suspension.

In attack, Lukas Nmecha aims to retain his place after scoring in his last two matches. All three of his Premier League goals this season have been opening goals—a feat last achieved at Leeds by David Wetherall during the 1993–1994 campaign.

Leeds United Starting XI Table

Conclusion

This detailed breakdown outlines the projected lineups for Manchester City vs Leeds United in November 2025, along with the current form and conditions of both squads.

The match carries significant narrative threads, from Manchester City’s efforts to regain stability to Leeds United’s attempts to escape mounting pressure as the season progresses.