After arguably their result of the season against Juventus, Manchester United will take on Manchester City in the much-anticipated Manchester derby on Sunday.
Two late goals in the final five minutes helped Jose Mourinho’s side beat Juventus at the Allianz Stadium and Jose Mourinho’s side will hope to replicate last season’s win at the Etihad.
Manchester United team news
Jose Mourinho will be missing out on the services of fullbacks Antonio Valencia and Diogo Dalot while Romelu Lukaku is a doubt, having missed United’s last two matches.
Alexis Sanchez also looked in trouble after coming off against Juventus. He will be assessed before the game.
Predicted Manchester United lineup vs Manchester City
Defence
Mourinho is unlikely to make any significant changes to his side. Thus, Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelof will keep their place at the heart of the United defence.
Both the defenders have racked up 40 clearances each in the league this season and their dogged defending could be key as United plan to stop the dangerous City attack.
Ashley Young will also continue to deputise for the injured Antonio Valencia at right-back while Luke Shaw should start on the left.
David de Gea will be the man in between the sticks for the Red Devils this weekend and he could have a busy evening against an in-form City attack.
Midfield
Mourinho replaced Fred with Ander Herrera in the last game and the move worked well. We expect the Spaniard to keep his place in the side as he starts alongside Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic in the United midfield.
Pogba will arguably be the most important United player in the game as his ability on the transition will be key against City.
Attack
Anthony Martial has been in red-hot form of late, scoring five goals in his last four Premier League games. He is one of the players to watch out for and will be deployed on the left wing.
Juan Mata, on the other hand, is expected to start over Jesse Lingard this weekend following a promising display off the bench against Juventus in midweek.
And finally, the United attack will be led by Marcus Rashford even though there is a chance that both Sanchez and Lukaku could be available against City this weekend.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
