Manchester United will clash heads with their local rivals Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Both teams managed to claim a victory in their respective UEFA Champions League group stage matches in midweek which would give them the confidence to perform at the best of their abilities this weekend.
Jose Mourinho could opt to line up his team in a 4-3-3 formation to match up with Pep Guardiola’s 4-3-3 set-up for the Citizens. This derby has the makings of a great contest as long as United don’t sit back and choose to play a defensive game.
Team News
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola will be without the services of Claudio Bravo, Eliaquim Mangala and Kevin De Bruyne who are all ruled out of this encounter due to injury. Other than that, the Citizens manager will have a full squad to choose from.
Manchester United
Both Diogo Dalot and Antonio Valencia won’t be available for this game. However, Romelu Lukaku is still in with a chance and would be in a race against time to be fit for this clash at the Etihad Stadium. Jose Mourinho could choose to rotate his team especially after their Champions League exertions in midweek which could see the likes of Fred and Juan Mata start this derby.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester City
Ederson; Kyle Walker, John Stones, Aymeric Laporte, Benjamin Mendy; Bernardo Silva, Fernandinho, David Silva; Raheem Sterling, Sergio Aguero, Riyad Mahrez
Manchester United
David De Gea; Ashley Young, Chris Smalling, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw; Fred, Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba; Juan Mata, Alexis Sanchez, Anthony Martial
Key Men
Manchester City
Both Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez needs to have a good game especially after their dismal display at Anfield against Liverpool a few weeks ago. Fernandinho could also be integral for City as he looks to add some protection to their backline.
Manchester United
De Gea will need to be at the top of his game if he is to stop the Citizens from scoring on Sunday. The performance of Pogba in midfield will also determine whether United can come away with a result from the blue half of Manchester.
Odds
Manchester City win – 2/5
Draw – 17/4
Manchester United – 15/2
