Rayan Cherki Backed to Start for Manchester City Against Leeds as Guardiola Eyes Response

Manchester City are being urged to hand Rayan Cherki a starting role in Saturday’s Premier League clash with Leeds United at the Etihad Stadium, according to Steven McInerney of Esteemed Kompany. The 22-year-old Frenchman has shown flashes of brilliance despite a stop-start beginning to life in England, and many now believe he deserves a consistent run in Pep Guardiola’s side.

Rayan Cherki, a summer signing from Lyon, endured an early injury setback that slowed his adaptation to City’s demanding system. Nevertheless, the playmaker has managed to contribute three goals and three assists in 11 appearances across all competitions. His standout display came earlier this month in a 3-1 win over Bournemouth, where he provided two assists in a dynamic performance.

Guardiola’s heavy rotation in Tuesday’s 2-0 Champions League defeat to Bayer Leverkusen saw Cherki dropped to the bench after starting three straight Premier League matches. McInerney, however, believes that decision should be reversed against Leeds, insisting that this is exactly the type of fixture where Cherki can thrive.

“I think this is the kind of game where Rayan Cherki will get space on the ball,” McInerney told Sports Mole. “In front of the Etihad fans, he’ll have time to express himself. The only way he’ll truly adapt to the Premier League’s physicality is by playing.”

McInerney added that Guardiola is “playing Cherki into the league” intentionally and urged him to “get that talent shining” against what he described as an out-of-sorts Leeds side. He expects Guardiola to revert to his preferred lineup, with Phil Foden, Nico González, Jeremy Doku, and Erling Haaland all likely to start.

The match carries extra significance for Haaland, who was born in Leeds while his father Alf-Inge Haaland played for the club. The Norwegian striker is chasing his 100th Premier League goal and 15th of the current season — and McInerney predicts he’ll get there in style.

“I think he’ll score more than one,” McInerney said. “He loves Leeds, but he’ll also love destroying them. That’s just Haaland.”

Confident of a strong response after the midweek disappointment, McInerney is predicting a dominant City display.

“I’m going 5-0,” he added. “City will turn up and give Leeds a real pasting.”