On paper at least, there were more preferable games for Leeds to tackle this weekend amid a run of six Premier League defeats in seven games.
Manchester City represent a fearsome opponent, one who had lifted four Premier League titles in a row before Liverpool reigned supreme last season, and also one who can boast a lethal talisman in Erling Haaland.
The Norwegian’s 14 Premier League goals so far this term are three more than Leeds have scored altogether.
Not exactly spoilt for choice… but who do you give the nod to up front vs Manchester City?🤔
Daniel Farke therefore faces a tough task to get a result at the Etihad Stadium, but the German has an unlikely figure to lean on for help in Sam Byram.
Sam Byram played a key role last time Daniel Farke defeated Pep Guardiola
While the Leeds No.25 is yet to make a single Premier League start so far this season – playing only seven minutes – he could actually provide a lot of assistance.
Back in September 2019, Byram and Farke pulled off a shock 3-2 win over Manchester City with Norwich at Carrow Road, as the Leeds academy graduate started at right-back.
The man born in Thurrock was actually one of the best performers for Norwich that day, earning a 7.7 rating from WhoScored – only Emiliano Buendia and Kenny McLean outdid that score.
Byram made four tackles, five interceptions, 11 clearances and two blocks on a day where he was imperious in defence up against Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero.
Of course, Manchester City have changed a lot since 2019, but Guardiola remains at the helm and still carries a lot of the same tactical principles which Byram helped Farke exploit back then, so the 32-year-old could prove to be invaluable in the dressing room this Saturday.
This could be Sam Byram’s final season at Leeds United
It would be especially romantic if Byram – who called Sean Longstaff “fierce” – can help Leeds record a historic victory at Manchester City, as the clock seems to be ticking for him at Elland Road.
The pressure is mounting on Daniel Farke… should Leeds United sack him?⌛
The defender sees his contract expire at the end of the season, and currently has little chance of breaking into the team considering Jayden Bogle and James Justin are ahead of him in the pecking order.
Byram also earns £25,000-a-week at Leeds, a deal The 49ers will presumably not look to extend if he’s not even playing.
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