Manchester United will be looking to pile more misery on Manchester City this weekend when they take them on at the Etihad. City is coming at the back of a disappointing loss to Liverpool in the Champions League quarterfinals. They were favourites to progress to last eight but came out second best at the Anfield. City will have a big job at hand in the second leg as they will look to overturn the three-goal deficit.
With City not fully concentrated on the derby, United can exploit this opportunity, with a full week to prepare for this game, Mourinho’s men will be looking to spoil City’s party. The Citizens though can clinch the title and can spark off a euphoric celebration at their home ground. Pep Guardiola’s men might not play their full strength side with the champions league game in mind and this could be the perfect opportunity for Mourinho to get one over his arch nemesis.
With City almost closing in on the title and United sitting pretty on the second spot, this game isn’t going to affect the Premier League table much. But a derby is a derby and both sets of fan would be looking to gain some bragging rights over the other.
4-2-3-1, United’s Predicted Lineup to face Manchester City.
Defence
De Gea will be shielding the goal for the Red Devils with Young, Smalling, Bailly and Valencia in the back four. Phil Jones is closing on a return and could be fit for the game but as of now, it seems Smalling will start ahead of him. Young and Valencia have been two of the most consistent players for United and they will take on their familiar fullback roles.
Midfield
Matic and Pogba are expected to start in the middle of the park for the Red Devils. Pogba lately has been challenged for his place by the young academy product Scott Mctominay but it is expected that Mourinho will opt for much experienced Pogba. Matic has been the buy for United this season and he has done a great job in shielding the defence line.
Lingard, Rashford and the newly signed Alexis Sanchez will provide attacking ammo for United in the midfield. Sanchez has found it tough going at Manchester United, but he showed good signs in the previous game against Swansea as he managed to get on the scoresheet.
Forward
Lukaku will be leading the line for United. His holdup and linkup play has improved and he is affecting the game more for his team. Slowly but steadily he has shown signs that he is good enough to play for a big stature club. His performances lately have been good and he has won over the United faithful in recent times.
