Manchester City are on the verge of breaking the Premier League record for most consecutive wins but will run into Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United, in one of the most awaited clashes of the 2017/18 campaign. Pep Guardiola’s men have been in sizzling form this season, and have already opened up an eight-point gap and if they take all three points from this game, it will be a huge step towards the league title.
The Red Devils showed great courage on their trip to the Emirates in the previous round and will hope for a similar result in this game but City will come out all guns blazing, making this an interesting encounter. There a number of match-ups on the field to look forward to but none as intense as the one off the field between old foes Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho, who are two of the most decorated managers in world football.
This is a clash between the top two teams in the points table and can go a long way in deciding the title, come the end of the season. Both managers will settle for nothing less than a victory against the other and though the weather in Manchester might cause a problem, are sure to produce yet another tactical master class on Sunday.
The visitors took home a 2-1 victory in the corresponding fixture last season and anything similar could mean that City are running away with the coveted trophy.
Mourinho has already taken a dig at their rivals, accusing City players of falling to the ground too easily on challenges and this will only add to the nervousness of the night. It is a game you just cannot miss and here is the team news, predicted lineups for both teams, predictions and betting odds:
Team News:
Manchester United:
Jose Mourinho revealed in his press conference that Nemanja Matic is not fully fit but will start this game against City. But the manager will not be able to field the likes of Eric Bailly and Michael Carrick, who are injured and Paul Pogba, who is suspended. Phil Jones and Marouane Fellaini are both back in the squad after spending time on the sideline.
Predicted lineup (3-4-3)
De Gea; Lindelof, Smalling, Jones; Valencia, Matic, Herrera, Young; Lingard, Martial, Lukaku
Manchester City:
Benjamin Mendy and John Stones remain long-term absentees for Guardiola but midfielder Fabian Delph and skipper Vincent Kompany are both doubtful, and will be assessed before the game.
Predicted lineup (4-3-3):
Ederson; Walker, Kompany/ Mangala, Otamendi, Danilo; Fernandinho, Silva, De Bruyne; Sterling, Sane, Jesus
Betting Odds:
Manchester United: 12/5
Draw: 5/2
Manchester City: 5/4
Predictions:
Manchester United 2-2 Manchester City
