One of the most awaited games in the league, the Manchester derby, is here to entertain and the timing could not have been better. A loss can easily push either team off their race to the top-4 while a draw can also have huge implications on Champions League qualifications. Jose Mourinho’s side are now unbeaten in the last 22 games in the league and will face Pep Guardiola’s side who got the better of their neighbours in the reverse fixture earlier this season in the league. Guardiola will want his side to take all three points and move up the points table and here are three things his side need to do to get all three points from this tie:
Create enough chances for Sergio Aguero:
Though Gabriel Jesus is closing in on a return to full fitness, Guardiola should trust the Argentine hitman for this derby. With 17 goals to his name, Aguero is right up there with the best this season and beyond doubt will be the biggest threat for Manchester United on the night. So it will be important for City to not leave Aguero stranded in the final third. They will have to be creative and involve the 28-year old as much as they can if they are to take all three points from this clash.
Keep Marcus Rashford quite:
The English youngster has been in terrific form this season and was excellent in the victory over Chelsea a couple of weeks ago. He made David Luiz look less than ordinary but will be up against the likes of Vincent Kompany in this game. With Zlatan out of this tie, the English youngster is the trusted goal scorer for United in this game. Rashford has the ability to get the better of the Belgian defender and it will be important for Manchester City to keep Kompany away from constant pressure and keep the 19-year old away from their goal if they are to stand a shot at winning this game.
Target Daley Blind:
Manchester United will miss the likes of Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo for this tie. Eric Bailly remains the only senior center back in the squad and should be partnered with Dutch star Daley Blind, who had a tough time at Turf Moor. He carries a few weaknesses that can be exploited and Guardiola’s side should make sure that they expose his side of the defence. This could give them a lot of joy in attack and help them outscore the Red Devils on the night.
