Leeds United are set to welcome Manchester City to Elland Road this Saturday in a high-stakes clash that could impact both the title race and the battle for survival. While Pep Guardiola’s side is chasing Arsenal for the trophy, Daniel Farke’s men are looking to capitalize on their current momentum and pull further away from the relegation zone.
The matchup features several key storylines as the two sides meet again:
The Return of Peter Bankes
The Premier League has confirmed that Peter Bankes will referee the fixture, supported by linesmen Eddie Smart and Blake Antrobus, with Paul Howard on VAR duties. This appointment is significant as Bankes officiated the reverse fixture at the Etihad earlier this season. Leeds’ historical record under Bankes is a mixed bag, with a 40% win rate across 25 matches.
Lingering Frustrations from the Etihad
Daniel Farke will be seeking a change of fortune after a frustrating 3-2 defeat in their previous meeting. The German manager was vocal about City’s use of “dark arts” during that match, specifically targeting what he perceived as tactical time-wasting.
The Donnarumma Incident
A major point of contention from the last game involved City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Farke accused the Italian international of feigning an injury in the closing stages to kill the clock.
- The Loophole: Under current rules, goalkeepers are not required to leave the pitch for treatment like outfield players.
- Farke’s View: The Leeds boss felt Donnarumma exploited this immunity to disrupt Leeds’ rhythm while they were chasing an equalizer.
As the two sides prepare to kick off on February 28, Farke will be hoping for a more disciplined officiating performance to ensure that tactics off the ball don’t overshadow the action on it.
