Match Preview: City vs. Leeds

Roberto Mancini looks set to make a ring of changes ahead of Manchester City's FA Cup fifth round tie with Leeds United at the Etihad Stadium. The under fire Italian hasn't won a match since his side beat Stoke away in the fourth round of one of the greatest club competitions in the world. Anything less than a victory for Mancini's men may well bring truth to the rumours and see Mancini leave before the end of the season.

Zabaleta scoring at the Britannia last month

Since the victory at the Britannia at the end of January, City have failed to show any of the form they brought into the New Year. Five goals conceded to three for is really a daunting thought for a side with the class of players City as a squad hold. After a horrific week last week against Southampton, the title race was probably put to bed after they fell twelve points behind leaders Manchester United at the top of the Premier League.

Leeds go into the game with City with one draw in their last seventeen games with nine defeats and seven victories. A side who have lost top scorer Luciano Becchio are no doubt struggling to replace the Argentinians goals despite signing Norwich striker Steve Morison. An also under fire Neil Warnock is facing the chop at Elland Road so a defeat for either manager may be a bridge to far for his time at his club.

The 2011 winners City go into the game with an almost full squad to choose from. The return of Yaya Toure from the African Cup of Nations last week was one too soon, whilst more positively skipper Vincent Kompany is expected to return to the City side despite being passed fit last weekend City boss Roberto Mancini may opt to start with his best defender this week.

There is not much recent history between the two clubs, as the two clubs haven't played each other in the top flight since Leeds' relegation in 2004. Leeds last victory over City came when Daniel Van Buyten was sent off for taking down Alan Smith, before Mark Viduka scored the winning spot kick for a Leeds victory. All on a night when Leeds were taken over and promised so much by Gerald Krasner before failing to live up to his promises.

Predicted Team: 

Prediction: City 3 Leeds 0. Despite a shocking run of form I can only see City being too strong for the Championship side. With goals from Tevez, Aguero and Yaya Toure. Also fully expect Michael Brown to try make a name for himself yet again with horror tackles.