Manchester City Vs Manchester United Preview: Tactics, Team News, Predicted Lineups, Streaming Sites

Manchester City are bracing themselves for one of their most important games of the season as they lock horns with Manchester United in the Manchester derby on Sunday. With Liverpool breathing down their necks, the defending champions have no room for complacency and gaining three points at home could be imperative if they are to maintain their place at the top of the Premier League charts.

Manchester United are facing a similar situation in the race to finish inside the top four. The Red Devils are currently sitting at fourth in the league table, but their main competition Arsenal have multiple games at hand. Hence, it will be crucial for Ralf Rangnick and his men to secure a win at Etihad, especially if they are to remain inside the top four.

Manchester City Vs Manchester United Preview

Talking Tactics

Manchester City

Pep Guardiola has no reason to tinker with his 4-3-3 setup which is likely to dominate possession and test the mettle of the Manchester United backline. As usual, instead of offering width going forward, the fullbacks should play in an inverted role, with the wingers moving out wide. It could result in a numerical advantage in midfield, something Man United must be wary of.

Manchester United

Manchester United’s approach to this game will be interesting. Given Rangnick’s method, the Red Devils are likely to allow possession to the home side, but take risks themselves by playing the ball out from the back and relying heavily on long balls over the top. It will be equally critical for them to exploit the space out wide, left by the centrally oriented fullbacks.

Team News

Manchester City

Manchester City have been dealt with two big blows heading into the weekend, with Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake likely to miss out due to injuries. Zack Steffen is a doubt as well, though his absence is rather insignificant in Guardiola’s team selection this weekend.

Manchester United

Rangnick is set to be boosted by the return of Scott McTominay and Edinson Cavani, meaning Mason Greenwood is the only real absentee, having been suspended by the club. With a 4-2-3-1 likely on the agenda, Anthony Elanga could be favoured a start here, ahead of Marcus Rashford.

Predicted Lineups

Manchester City: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Laporte, Cancelo; de Bruyne, Rodri, Bernardo Silva; Mahrez, Grealish, Foden

Manchester United: de Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Maguire, Shaw; Fred, McTominay; Elanga, Ronaldo, Sancho

Prediction

Manchester City 1-0 Manchester United

Streaming Sites