All eyes will be on the Etihad Stadium when Manchester City will take on Manchester United. For the past few years, City have emerged as one of the mightiest club of Europe after their takeover by Sheikh Mansour.
United are within the touching distance of City and a win in this match will see them dislodging Pep Guardiola’s side from the fourth spot. United have been chasing a top four spot for quite a while after their title hopes got smashed and recent form has shown the path of their revival.
United have gone through a number of squad overhauls and it seems Jose Mourinho, at last, has found the perfect starting lineup. City recently crashed out from the FA Cup after their semifinal defeat to Arsenal and United would definitely try to pile on the misery and they would be looking forward to this game.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Manchester United Lineup Against Manchester City
Defence
Jose Mourinho hasn’t won in his last four Premier League ties against the Citizens and if he wants to improve this record he would definitely seek the help of David De Gea. The Spaniard has been very strong in the Manchester United goal and would be the last pillar in the United defence.
Daley Blind has put up a good performance against Burnley and will be ready for a tough challenge.
Eric Bailly will be the one who has to take the extra responsibilities if United are to finish in the top four.
Luke Shaw could make a start to deal with the pace in the Manchester City ranks.
Antonio Valencia will start on the right-hand side.
Midfield
The key of this crucial encounter lies in the midfield and whoever takes control of the middle of the park will have an upper hand in this game. Ander Herrera who has been the most influential player in the United side will be brimming wth confidence after putting up a brilliant show against Chelsea where he kept Eden Hazard quiet for most of the time.
Michael Carrick is a veteran of Manchester derbies and is aware of the importance of this match. He will come to the game with all his experiences.
Attack
Paul Pogba has a knock and might not play. If he fails to make it to the starting eleven Henrikh Mkhitaryan will take his no. 10 spot.
Jese Lingard has shown a resurgence of form and will have a chance to display his skills.
Anthony Martial will try to cause damage with his blistering space.
Marcus Rashford has started to show what he is capable of and will be thrown straight to the challenge.
