Here are your latest Leeds United morning headlines for Wednesday, December 28.
Pep Guardiola sends Erling Haaland warning ahead of Leeds clash
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says that Erling Haaland won't be 'contaminated' by the praise heaped on him by Leeds boss Jesse Marsch.
Marsch was at the helm when Haaland made his breakthrough at Red Bull Salzburg, and the American has described his former player as 'special' ahead of Leeds' meeting with Man City.
READ MORE: Predicted Leeds United line-up vs Man City with tight Greenwood and Harrison calls in new formation
Haaland, who was born in Leeds while his father Alfie played for the Whites, has scored a formidable total of 18 goals in 13 league games since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in the summer.
And Guardiola expects Haaland to put sentiment aside as he aims to continue his stellar start to the season at Elland Road.
"It will not be a friendly game. They want to win, we want to win. Their fans will push their team," Guardiola said.
"Hopefully Erling cannot be contaminated with the nice words from the opponent. I think he will be ready and I'm pretty sure Jesse would prefer to play with our good players on the pitch."
Haaland and Phillips homecomings
Manchester City’s visit to Leeds United comes with emotional meaning for two players on their bus. More than 22 years after being born in the city, Erling Haaland is set to play his first match at Elland Road, where father Alfie became a cult hero.
Haaland has dropped hints through the fledgling years of his career about his love for Leeds. It is bound to be a special day for the Premier League’s top scorer as he looks to add to his tally.
While the number nine’s starting spot is virtually guaranteed, Phillips’ presence on the bench is up in the air. Pep Guardiola said the England international returned from the World Cup overweight, which casts doubt on him even making the matchday squad at Elland Road.
Leeds United squad revealed for Man City as Summerville and Rodrigo hoping to be fit
Leeds United finally make their return following the six-week World Cup break with a very tough test against Manchester City. The Whites will be hoping to cause a major upset at Elland Road against the Premier League champions, who themselves are in need of three points to close the gap on early pace setters Arsenal.
Despite the long break, Leeds have a number of fitness doubts heading into the game with as many as nine players having question marks against them.
That starts in goal with Illan Meslier - who missed all three friendlies due to glandular fever - though Jesse Marsch was hopeful of his availability in his press conference last week.
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