Manchester City sit just one position and point ahead of Manchester United in the league table and any further slip up will be enough to turn their bad season into a nightmarish one. After FA Cup’s exit, City have no silverware to play for anymore this season. And qualifying for Champions League remains the only target.
Team News
Manchester City- Pep Guardiola might miss a host of players going into the crucial derby. After the hard-fought loss in the FA Cup semi-final, City have numerous first team players doubtful for the United game, which include big names like David Silva and Fernandinho. Even star striker Sergio Aguero had suffered a knock that saw him coming off in the extra time, but he is believed to shake it off before the game.
Defender John Stones and forward Gabriel Jesus will be racing against time to be fit for the game and their availability will be crucial in the last few weeks of the season. Fernandinho has urged City fans to be patient with Jesus as the Brazilian recovers from his broken foot slowly. Ilkay Gundogan is the only long-term injury City have.
Manchester United- City’s arch rivals aren’t in a better condition either. They will be without defender Marcos Rojo and forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic for almost the rest of the season with a cruciate ligament injury and knee injury respectively.
However, that didn’t stop United from winning against Burnley. The biggest concern will be that of Paul Pogba, who suffered a slight injury at Turf Moor last weekend. The defence will be a huge concern for Mourinho as Phil Jones and Chris Smalling also remain sidelined for the game. Apart from them, Juan Mata will miss with a groin injury.
Predicted Line-ups
Manchester City- Bravo; Clichy, Kompany, Otamendi, Navas; Toure, Fernando, Sane, De Bruyne, Sterling, Aguero
Manchester United- De Gea; Darmian, Blind, Bailly, Young; Herrera, Fellaini, Carrick; Martial, Rashford, Lingard
Key Players
Manchester City- Of course, Aguero will lead the attack for City and has the highest chance of scoring given his finishing attributes and the quality of playmakers like De Bruyne and Yaya Toure deployed behind him. It will be difficult for Bailly and Blind to stop the Argentine in terms of pace and it is only through close defending that they can stop him. Hence, playing a high line is hardly an option.
Same goes for City’s wingmen Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling. Although David Silva’s absence takes out a chunk of creativity from their game, City’s bursting pace from the wide areas will be a major threat for United.
Manchester United- United’s star men are Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial at the moment. The duo has been immensely effective of late and can fully exploit City’s defence. Fellaini and Blind will also be dangerous from set-pieces, which have been a problem for City of late.
Odds
Manchester City @ 1.90
Draw @ 3.75
Manchester United @ 4.20
