A look at the latest Leeds United headlines on Monday, 26 December.
Kevin De Bruyne's Erling Haaland goal landmark claim ahead of Leeds clash
Leeds United supporters were already fearful of their festive fixture against Manchester City, prior to Erling Haaland's arrival at the Sky Blues. The juggernaut of a striker has proven he's cut from a special cloth with a remarkable 18 goals in just 13 appearances.
The Norwegian scored on his return to competitive action against Liverpool and now his team-mate Kevin De Bruyne believes the striker could surpass 800 career goals. “It is very hard to compare [to other strikers] because they are all totally different," De Bruyne told the Manchester Evening News.
"They play in the same position, but some are physical players, some are speed demons and they can all score goals for fun. Erling hasn’t because of his age, but they have all scored 300 or 400 goals. Erling is so obsessed with goals he can maybe go beyond that.
"He already has about 200 goals, so he can probably go to 600, 700 or 800 if he stays fit and does the things that he does. For the rest [I have played with], I don’t really compare them because that is not the way I look at football. Erling is a top-level striker. I don’t think it is fair to compare or rank them because some are at the start of their career and some are at the end or the middle of their careers, so I don’t like to rank them.”
Five of Leeds United's most memorable Boxing Day matches as Roofe and Fowler bring festive cheer
For the third season in a row, Leeds United supporters will not get their Boxing Day football fix. The Whites' first game following the enforced World Cup game has been pushed back two days until December 28 as Manchester City make the trip to Elland Road.
Leeds did not play at all between Christmas and New Year last season due to a combination of both Covid and injuries. They were scheduled to face Liverpool at Anfield on Boxing Day, and that postponement helped to keep their recent unbeaten post-Christmas record in tact.
Leeds have won four and drawn two of their last six in their matches immediately following Christmas, a record which stands from 2015. So, with that in mind, here is a look at five of Leeds' most memorable Boxing Day matches.
Tyler Adams blessing has unleashed Leeds United's break from tradition for Man City
Suspension has been a blessing in disguise for Tyler Adams as he acclimatises to life back at Leeds United after a whirlwind World Cup carrying the hopes and dreams of the United States. Jesse Marsch and the medical team have given the midfielder extra time to sharpen up slowly for his return at Newcastle United on New Year’s Eve.
The USA captain will be unavailable to face Manchester City on Wednesday because of his two yellow cards in the previous match against Tottenham Hotspur. That opens up a crucial slot in the XI for Marsch to fill.
A departure from the customary 4-2-3-1 in the last two friendlies has set the groundwork for change in that midfield department too. Adam Forshaw, Sam Greenwood and Mateusz Klich are all in Marsch’s thinking.
Man City's last five visits to Elland Road as Leeds United clash approaches
Leeds United will resume their Premier League campaign when defending champions Manchester City visit Elland Road on December 28,
The Whites headed into the World Cup break in 15th place and two points ahead of the relegation zone, while City sat five points behind leaders Arsenal in second.
Although Man City have reigned supreme in the Premier League in recent years, they've enjoyed mixed success on their travels against the Whites.
READ NEXT:
- Leeds United player ratings with Robin Koch's display emphasised by second-half collapse
- Leeds United's Robin Koch and Brenden Aaronson shine in Monaco defeat but absentees a concern
- 'Haaland up next' - Leeds United supporters react in unison after Monaco drubbing
- Leeds United hit with illness as Rene Maric gives fitness update ahead of Man City clash
- Leeds United supporters highlight lack of depth after Monaco team news
