Manchester United will lock horns with arch-rivals Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday afternoon, hoping to pick up all three points and maintain their position in the top four of the Premier League table. The Red Devils will be coming into the match on the back of a disappointing 0-0 draw with Watford, whereas the Citizens recorded a comfortable 2-0 victory over Peterborough in the fifth round of the FA Cup competition.
Team News
Edinson Cavani (groin) remains doubtful for the upcoming derby.
Mason Greenwood remains suspended until further notice after being arrested on suspicion of rape and assault.
Ralf Rangnick will probably opt for the 4-3-3 formation with several tweaks from the last game. In defence, Harry Maguire might get the nod over Victor Lindelof, whereas Diogo Dalot seems likely to make his way back into the starting eleven.
4-3-3 Predicted Manchester United Lineup Vs Manchester City
Defence
David de Gea is expected to start between the sticks for the upcoming clash. The Spanish shot-stopper would be looking to put up a strong performance and secure a clean sheet on Sunday.
Raphael Varane is expected to start at the heart of United’s backline, with skipper Harry Maguire slotting into the right-centre back position. Diogo Dalot is a guaranteed starter at the right-back position, whereas Luke Shaw will fill in on the other flank as the left-back.
Midfield
Scott McTominay is expected to start in the defensive midfield position, whereas Paul Pogba will slot in as the central midfielder.
Bruno Fernandes remains a sure-fire starter for Manchester United this week, and it’ll be an understatement to say The Red Devils will be highly dependent on the Portugal international’s creative work if they wish to pick up a win on Sunday.
Fred will have to settle for a place on the bench, but he could be brought on in the second half of the contest if needed.
Attack
Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga will take up the wide positions, causing menace for Pep Guardiola’s men down the right and left-wing, respectively.
Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to lead the line for Manchester United this weekend. The 37-year-old striker’s adept movement in front of the goal could cause a lot of trouble for the City defence that has kept four clean sheets in their last five matches across all competitions.
Marcus Rashford could be brought off the bench as an impact substitute in the second forty-five minutes of the match.
