The Old Trafford will be treated with another huge encounter with Manchester United facing arch-rivals Manchester City in Saturday’s early kick-off. The Red Devils recently ended their 4 match winless run in the league when they won handsomely against Spurs last week. But they couldn’t capitalize on the winning momentum as they were held 2-2 by Atlanta in the midweek Champions League clash. On the other hand, Manchester City is coming into this game after a big win in the Champions League but the loss against Crystal Palace last week at home will surely be at the back of their mind.
Manchester United players will be desperate to turn on the tables this week in the derby after their humiliating defeat against another rival Liverpool a couple of weeks back. The fans would want their team to win and return some pride to them which was lost after that shocking defeat. United are currently undefeated in this fixture for the last 4 games with 3 wins and 1 draw. After dropping a lot of points last month Ole Gunner Solskjaer will look to collect all 3 points from this game heading into the international break to keep up with the table toppers.
Manchester City faced a shocking defeat last week when Crystal Palace visited the Etihad and won 0-2. It was a big blow for Pep and his players in the title race but they will try to get over that and put in a winning performance this week and a win against big rivals Manchester United will give them a major boost going into the international break.
Talking Tactics
Ole Gunner Solskjaer will again opt for a 3-4-1-2 formation after last week’s success vs Spurs. United will try to play a counter-attacking game and let City have the ball for the majority of the game. With City trying to break United’s deep block, the Red Devils will try to hurt them with pace in their team whenever they get the ball back. It won’t be easy to keep the City’s attackers at bay from scoring, United’s shape and defensive organization will be key if they have to get any points from the game.
Pep will usually go with his preferred 4-3-3 formation with the front 3 of Gabriel Jesus, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish. His team will like to dominate the game and create loads of opportunities for the front men to score. Kevin De Bruyne’s direct passing and Bernardo Silva’s creative dribbling will be the key for City in this game.
Team News
Manchester United will again be missing Raphael Varane at the heart of the defence after his hamstring injury suffered in the midweek clash vs Atalanta. Paul Pogba is suspended for the game and other than these 2 everyone is likely to be available to Ole. The trio of Cavani, Ronaldo and Bruno will again lead United’s attack this week.
Manchester City will be without Aymeric Laporte who received a red card in last week’s clash vs Crystal Palace. With Ferran Torres injured and Mendy suspended, Pep is expected to have everyone else available for selection for this huge clash. Foden, Grealish and Jesus will lead City’s attack with KdB, Bernardo and Rodri starting behind them.
Manchester United Predicted XI
David De Gea; Eric Bailey, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Scott Mctominay, Fred, Luke Shaw; Bruno Fernandes; Edinson Cavani, Cristiano Ronaldo
Manchester City Predicted XI
Ederson; Kyle Walker, John Stones, Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo; Bernardo Silva, Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne; Gabriel Jeusu, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish
Streaming
Watch Man Utd vs Man City live on Sky Sports Premier League from 11.30am on Saturday; kick-off at 12.30pm.
