Overview
The Manchester rivals face each other in round two of the derby clash this season. Three places and 19 points separate the two clubs, which happens to be an important clash for both the cross-town rivals. A win for the Blues will keep them six points clear of second-placed Liverpool if they win against West Ham. On the other hand, a win for the Red Devils will keep them at a fourth-place least for this weekend.
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Pep Guardiola’s super team has absolutely been on song this season and will look to replicate a double over the Red Devils. Manchester United on the contrary will look to upset the Blues after their disappointing loss to them, earlier this season. Ever since Ralf Rangnick has taken over the interim reigns, Manchester United has lost only one game. Man United has however drawn a lot of winnable games, which has put them in a spot to fight for the top 4 places. With three teams chasing for the fourth spot, every game for Man United is a must-win one.
Team News
Pep Guardiola in his press conference revealed that Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake are unavailable for Sunday’s fixture. Ruben Dias after suffering from a hamstring injury may be out for the next four to six weeks. Even though with Dias and Ake out, Man City still has Aymeric Laporte and John Stones as two stellar defenders at the heart of their defense. Man City also has Jack Grealish and Gabriel Jesus raring to go, post their injury woes. Kyle Walker has struggled for inconsistency this season however, he still may find his place in the first team.
Manchester City PL Form: W L W W D
As for Manchester United, Scott McTominay is expected to recover from his illness. Edinson Cavani is also expected to be on the bench, following his recovery from the groin problem. Barring this only Mason Greenwood is an absentee from the matchday squad. Cristiano Ronaldo could make another start and Jadon Sancho may replace Nemanja Matic in the playing XI. Ralf Rangnick would expect his forwards to convert their attempts into goals.
Manchester United PL Form: D W W D D
Predicted Line Ups
Manchester City
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: Ederson
Defense: Kyle Walker, John Stones, Aymeric Laporte, Joao Cancelo
Midfield: Bernardo Silva, Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne
Attack: Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling
Manchester United
Formation: 4-2-2-2
Goalkeeper: David de Gea
Defense: Aaron Wan Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, Alex Telles
Midfield: Scott McTominay, Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, Jadon Sancho
Attack: Cristiano Ronaldo, Anthony Elanga
Conclusion
The Manchester Derby is always a high voltage fixture no matter where the clubs are placed in the league table. Manchester United has won their last three fixtures at the Etihad. The Red Devils will look to produce another shock result over the Blues. Barring their loss against Spurs, Manchester City has beaten every team at the Etihad. Also, their strong squad looks dangerous for any opponent to face them at their home turf. The blues undoubtedly are the favorites for this fixture and fans will certainly expect another strong performance from the Champions to gain all three points.
Our Prediction: Man City 2 – Man United 1
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