Manchester City will take on Manchester United this Sunday. Any result on Sunday will have different implications on the title race and the race for the fourth spot.
It has been a tale of contrasting seasons for the rivals from Manchester. United have struggled massively but somehow, have managed to stay in the fight to secure a UEFA Champions League spot for next term. Manchester City, on the other hand, are cruising to a successful title defense, despite being inconsistent off late. This match will not be without consequences as any result will hold major implications. A victory will see the home side level with Chelsea. A loss for Pep Guardiola’s men could see them loosen their hold on the Premier League title.
The Cityzens are being valiantly chased by Liverpool, who will be hoping that their great rivals in United manage to beat the Sky Blues. A loss will mean that if the Kop win their two games in hand, they will assume the top spot, mathematically. But, the last time these two sides met, City cruised to a convincing 2-0 victory in a game that was dubbed as ‘easy’ by the City players.
Having gone through a managerial change midway through the season, the Red Devils have improved but are far from being convincing. They are technically out of the title race but are competing for the fourth spot, and possibly, the third as well. Therefore, there is no escaping that Sunday’s Manchester Derby could provide us with a serious twist in the proceedings, at the top of the table.
Manchester City
City will miss the services of Ruben Dias, who has been ruled out for four to six weeks. Nathan Ake is also out injured and in the absence of the duo, John Stones and Aymeric Laporte will start at the heart of the backline.
Cole Palmer is also out for this game while Zack Steffen’s inclusion remains doubtful. Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, and Rodri will play in the midfield. Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, and Riyad Mahrez will start as the attackers. Raheem Sterling, if Pep decides to play him, will start from the bench due to his dismal record against United. In the 23 outings he has had thus far, he has never managed to score against the Red Devils. Moreover, he has only one goal from his last seven Premier League outings.
Manchester United
Manchester United will have Scott McTominay back for this fixture. McTominay was ruled out of United’s last two games due to illness. He is likely to return for the Derby. The inclusion of Edinson Cavani remains a matter of doubt but it is highly unlikely that he would get game time right away, should he be fit.
The defense has been misfiring for Ralf Rangnick throughout his short tenure. However, the Red Devils will want to stick to Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane as their center-backs. Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw will occupy the defense flanks.
Scott McTominay could start the fixture as a holding midfielder and is likely to be partnered with Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes. Marcus Rashford, Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho will make up the frontline.
It will be a difficult toss-up between Rashford and Elanga, for United. Elanga deserves to start over Rashford based on form. But, Rangnick is likely to stick with his experienced frontline. Elanga could start from the bench.
Manchester City (4-3-3): Ederson, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Aymeric Laporte, Joao Cancelo, Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, Riyad Mahrez
Manchester United (4-3-3): De Gea, Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Paul Pogba, Scott McTominay, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho
Manchester City – Kevin De Bruyne
The Belgian midfielder had an excellent outing at Old Trafford the last time these two sides met. De Bruyne will be looking to replicate his performance this time around. He will be hard to contain for Ralf Rangnick’s men. United will look to attack on the break and will thus, play a low block Too much time or space on the ball for De Bruyne usually results in a major goalscoring opportunity. United will be aware of his innate ability to keep the ball in closed spaces and his distance shooting. Not to forget, De Bruyne’s vision and his through balls will just add to the worry of Manchester United.
Manchester United – Marcus Rashford
Rashford has been out of form this season. Having said that, Rashford is still a quality player. The Englishman is a lethal weapon when it comes to counterattacks and has hurt City in the past. In a way, this could be a make-or-break game for Rashford when it comes to his place in the XI. His pace and those low deliveries to the center will be essential for United and their hopes to salvage something from this game. The 24-year-old will be looking to get back to form but will face a severe Man City test.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-1
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