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Mitch Tapner

Pundits don't expect Sam Allardyce to prevent heavy Leeds United defeat at Man City

Leeds United take on the most difficult of tasks this afternoon as they visit Manchester City, in what is Sam Allardyce’s first game in charge.

Winless in their last five games, a trip to the Etihad could not have come at a worse time for Leeds as they look to avoid the drop.

Manchester City however will be licking their lips at the prospect of facing such a leaky Leeds side, with Pep Guardiola’s men looking to take another step closer to winning there fifth Premier League crown in six years.

Pundits from across the media have been giving their predictions ahead of the weekend's action and LeedsLive has rounded them up for you.

READ MORE: Leeds United Q&A: Allardyce impact, Orta replacement, summer plans after turbulent week

Chris Sutton

Sutton wrote in his weekly predictions for BBC Sport: “So, new Leeds manager Sam Allardyce says he is up there with any manager in the Premier League, along with Manchester City's Pep Guardiola.

“I guess we will find out on Saturday if Sam is right. City found it harder than I expected to break down West Ham on Wednesday, but eventually found a way through.

“I really can't see the Leeds defence putting up the same kind of resistance, and this might be a game where City wrap the game up early before taking their foot off the gas."

Sutton's prediction: Man City 3-0 Leeds United

Paul Merson

Merson wrote for SportsKeeda: “It does become a harder game now that Sam Allardyce is in charge, but it still won't make much of a difference.

"Leeds will be kicking themselves for not making this decision before Bournemouth, as that could make all the difference at the end of the season. I just don't see anything but a Manchester City win, it just remains to be seen how many they win by."

Merson’s prediction: Man City 3-0 Leeds United

Mark Lawrenson

Lawrenson wrote for Paddy Power: “The first thing to say with Sam Allardyce coming in at Leeds is he’ll want to make them difficult to beat, but they’ve been conceding goals like there’s no tomorrow and City are on a great run.

“Kevin De Bruyne didn’t even play in midweek so is rested coming into this and we all know about Haaland and his record.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if Pep Guardiola changes his team around some more ahead of the Champions League tie next week, but they’ve so many outstanding players they can still cope with Leeds. I’ll go for a comfortable City win."

Lawrenson’s prediction: Man City 3-0 Leeds United

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