The Manchester derby couldn’t have come at a better time as both the sides would go into the game with confidence-boosting wins behind them. City thrashed Shakhtar Donetsk by six goals whereas United surprised everyone by recording a comeback win against Juventus who suffered their first loss of the season in all competitions.
More than the town’s rivalry, what sets this fixture to the next level is the rivalry between their two managers and the opposite brand of football which both of them usually deploy.
Mourinho was under pressure at the start of the season, but he has shown that his side can be resilient and has recorded some excellent comeback wins of late. However, City at home would be one of the biggest tests of the season for any manager, and Guardiola’s side would go in as the favourite for the weekend’s clash.
Team News
Fabian Delph is back from his injury. Vincent Kompany could be a doubt for this tie. Kevin De Bruyne is going to be a significant miss for Guardiola as he can change the game from midfield.
Manchester City Predicted lineup Vs. Manchester United
Formation (4-3-3)
Defence
Ederson has been a spectator in the past few games, but he needs to be wary of United’s aerial and set piece threats. He should once again start in goal. The defensive pair of Aymeric Laporte and John Stones compliment each other brilliantly. Both of them are good readers of the game and are equally comfortable on the ball to play out from the back. Down the left, Benjamin Mendy should be given a go after he was rested midweek. Out on the right, Kyle Walker is a nailed on starter.
Midfield
Fernandinho will play in his usual defensive midfielder role and would help in shielding the back four. David Silva has hit another gear this season as he is scoring goals as well as creating them. The Spaniard would provide the creative output from midfield.
For the other midfield position, it was a tough call between Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan, but we have gone for the more robust Gundogan as United would be expected to test their opponents out physically as well. Bernardo Silva played the full 90 minutes of the midweek game so that could also be one of the reasons why the German international might get a go ahead in this tie.
Forward
Leroy Sane’s directness and pace should be a real threat, and he should start this game from the left after being rested midweek. Raheem Sterling is in the form of his life at the moment, and his runs and pace has been creating a lot of trouble for the opponents. The English international should start down the right. Sergio Aguero should lead the line in this game even though Gabriel Jesus bagged a hattrick in the Champions League midweek.
