Leeds United's list of 7 things Daniel Farke needs to avoid worsening crisis at Manchester City

Though the German might brush off suggestions of heightened pressure and job insecurity and point to the criticism and rumours he has faced throughout his time at Elland Road, this time feels different for everyone else. For the first time since he arrived at the club there is a significant number of supporters in open revolt against his decisions. Criticism on his substitutions has reached the level of in-game chants. Leeds have slipped into the drop zone and lost five of their last six games. They performed better last weekend against Aston Villa than in the previous two outings yet go to the Etihad on the back of three straight defeats. The timing of a trio of terrifying ties against Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool is unfortunate to say the least.

Despite a section of the fanbase making up their minds that the time for Farke's tenure to end is upon us, 49ers Enterprises have made no move in that direction and it does not necessarily follow that defeat at the hands of Manchester City will be the straw that breaks the camel's back. Of course if the performance is such that it suggests the side's defensive punch resistance is well and truly gone, if Farke cannot pull things together tactically to protect his side from a beating and if the result is particularly one-sided then the pressure and calls for his head will only continue to mount. A way back will be all-but impossible to envisage.

What Farke wants is three points though he'd definitely take one and so would anyone of a Leeds persuasion. But what does he need?

1: A performance

This is absolutely key. If Leeds lose at Manchester City but play well enough that fans can see a route to points against less-star-studded outfits, then it will add a little weight to what Farke said about being convinced the plan can work this season. If they do not play well then the outcome of the game is obvious, isn't it? This is not a game anyone expects Leeds to win but they can still convince. It cannot be an away performance like those at Arsenal, Brighton and Nottingham Forest. It has to be much better. They have to walk off the pitch having given the away support something to cheer, even if that's simply defensive steel, effort and concentration levels.

2: The right selection

Leeds cannot hope to go to Manchester City and play pretty football to get something. Going direct with purpose and quality is a better bet to get the ball into the home half of the pitch and keep it there and Dominic Calvert-Lewin is surely central to that. Whilst Brenden Aaronson has been a Farke favourite in games that require lots of defensive work - and this game will be one of those - does Daniel James represent a better outlet for when Leeds nick the ball and try to counter? The midfield is a potential issue given the absence of Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach. Ao Tanaka can replace Stach but can Ilia Gruev provide enough of a physical presence to mitigate the loss of Longstaff or will Farke need to do something different in terms of formation and structure? At centre-back the manager has chopped and changed recently. Erling Haaland is a problem. Which pair give Leeds the best hope of containing him? Or is a switch to a three-man central defence in order?

3: The right approach

Farke was criticised for the way he set up and tried to play against Arsenal and again in the latest pair of away defeats. At Nottingham Forest especially Leeds played into Sean Dyche's hands and were given a lesson in how to play direct football properly and efficiently - admittedly aided by some poor defending. Speaking on Thursday he said Leeds cannot simply lump it forward and lose the ball every eight seconds, but they might not lose the ball if Calvert-Lewin or Lukas Nmecha wins it and there are bodies close enough to contend for the second one. He pointed out that Leverkusen had some joy centrally and with switches of play in their Champions League win over Manchester City but are Leeds good enough and technical enough on the ball to take advantage of any gaps opened up by Pep Guardiola's pressing system? Farke has got to get the approach absolutely spot on and the players can have zero room for doubt when they do get on the ball.

When it comes to the need for fresh legs and there will be a great need for that in this game, Farke has got to get the timing of his substitutions right. There's a question mark over his in-game management among supporters but more important than changing public perception is making interventions that improve the team's chances of taking points.

4: Aggression

Jayden Bogle said it this week. Leeds have to be 'almost horrible' in duels, without crossing the line into recklessness. Aggression and physicality were cornerstones of Leeds' plan for this season and though they will have to be smart and time everything well, getting stuck into Manchester City and making life uncomfortable is a must. Newly-promoted teams didn't lay enough of a glove on the established sides last season and Leeds cannot fall into that trap. When they get the ball they have to be aggressive too. There may well be times when a foot on the ball and a breather is needed but if Leeds want to score then they have to counter quickly.

5: Defensive concentration

All too often this season Leeds United players have switched off to runners in the area. Too many goals have gone in due to lapses in concentration or confusion over who was supposed to be picking up the spare man. Against a team with Manchester City's attacking quality they simply cannot afford to let the ball go to a player in space, with time, in and around the box. The left flank has to be shored up to prevent the problems that have led to recent concessions.

6: Leadership

Ethan Ampadu is the captain for a reason but he has to set an example with his performance. At a time when the manager's position and the team's survival chances are under such scrutiny, the side needs a big performance from their captain. Especially in light of the midfield issues Farke has been dealt this week. But it's not only Ampadu who needs to step up. Noah Okafor can be a leader because he's arguably Leeds United's most talented attacking player. Times like this call for heroes. End product has been lacking from the Swiss international. Calvert-Lewin is a player with significant Premier League experience and he has to show it. Chances will likely be at a premium, whoever gets the nod up top or in attack cannot afford to be wasteful.

7: Luck

For Leeds United to get anything at the Etihad they will more than likely need something outside of their control to go in their favour. Haaland to hit the post and not the net. A red card. A dubious VAR call in the away team's favour. A bounce of the ball that puts Okafor in on goal. When Marcelo Bielsa's Whites won with 10 men against Pep's machine it was considered a miracle. It might not take a miracle for Leeds to get a point against this Manchester City team, 11 v 11, but they'll still require an element of fortune. Or at the very least an absence of ill fortune.