Some of the football involving Greater Manchester's sides this weekend

Forget the Christmas Markets, there's football to be had

There's a few interesting matches taking place

Author | Sophie T

It's always worth showcasing the huge number of sides in this area.

Premier League

Manchester City v Leeds United

In midweek, Pep Guardiola’s 100th Champions League match in charge of Manchester City ended in frustration as a heavily rotated side fell 2-0 at home to Bayer Leverkusen, marking their first group-stage defeat at the Etihad in more than seven years. The Catalan’s decision to make ten changes against one of the Bundesliga’s top teams produced a disjointed performance, with several players unable to capitalise on their opportunities, a rotation Guardiola has since described as “too much.”

The setback followed a 2-1 defeat at Newcastle three days earlier, which ended a four-game winning run and left City third in the Premier League, seven points behind leaders Arsenal. Guardiola will hope for a swift recovery when his side face Leeds on Saturday, having won their last four league meetings with the Whites, scoring 16 goals in total, including a 7-0 triumph at the Etihad in December 2021.

European Super Football | Champions League | Guardiola’s selection gamble doesn't pay off eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com/2025/11/guar...

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— Super News Affiliate (@sup3rnew5affiliate.bsky.social) 26 November 2025 at 11:01

Crystal Palace v Manchester United

Manchester United will be looking for a response to Monday night’s disappointing defeat against Everton when they travel to Selhurst Park.  They have not won away to Palace in the Premier League since July 2020, when Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial were on the scoresheet in a 2-0 success.

Oliver Glasner’s side have suffered just two defeats in the Premier League so far this season. Their defensive record has been impressive, with only nine goals conceded across 12 top-flight matches.

League One

Stockport County v Barnsley

After two successive defeats, Stockport will be looking to get back to winning ways against Barnsley. Being the early kick-off in League One means that a victory would take them to top of the table, even if only for a couple of hours.

Luton Town v Bolton Wanderers

In a very tight League One table, Bolton could also finish this weekend either top of the table or potentially out of the top six entirely. Last time out, they were held by promotion rivals Bradford City.

Wigan Athletic v Stevenage 

Two wins out from their last six games for Wigan, but more positively, they have only lost once. They face top-of-the-table Stevenage here and would probably gladly accept a draw if offered now.

League Two

• Accrington Stanley v Oldham Athletic
• Salford City v Crawley Town

National League

• Altrincham v Scunthorpe United
• Rochdale v Eastleigh