The season’s first installment of the Manchester derby is upon us, as Manchester City welcome cross-town rivals Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday.
The rivalry between Manchester City and Manchester United is one of English football’s most historic and has served up countless classic matchups over the years. In recent fixtures, Man City have more often than not come out as the victors in this heated fixture, but Man United have a decent record at the Etihad Stadium.
With both the Mancunian teams in good form, let us take a look at the key battles that could shape the outcome of this tantalising fixture.
#Erling Haaland vs Raphael Varane & Lisandro Martinez
It hasn’t taken much time for Erling Haaland to settle down at Man City; he has netted 11 goals from just seven Premier League games, which spells trouble for upcoming visitors Man United.
Haaland is a beast, quick and phenomenal in the box and he is showing Pep Guardiola new ways to bring the best out of the other attackers. The Norwegian will be Man City’s biggest goal threat as he aims to make an impression in his first Manchester derby.
Standing in Haaland’s way will be Man United’s fresh centre-back pairing of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez. The partnership of Varane and Martinez seems to be blossoming in recent times, with United conceding only twice in their last four league games.
Certainly, this promises to be a mouthwatering battle between United’s centre-backs and the City marksman.
#Kevin de Bruyne vs Christian Eriksen
If Kevin de Bruyne plays well, then so do Man City. The Belgian is the beating heart of this City side as most of the attacks go through him.
De Bruyne is the player who pulls the strings between the midfield and attack, and his energy, pressing and leadership skills are what sets the tone for his teammates to follow. If he can get more on the ball and find the space to work in, the Belgian midfield maestro’s ability to pick a pass and find the runners should see the hosts generate plenty of opportunities.
So, Christian Eriksen will have a massive role to play in denying De Bruyne the space he thrives in. The Dane has become central to Erik ten Hag’s system, thriving in a deeper midfield role next to Scott McTominay.
But as important as Eriksen stopping De Bruyne will be to Man United, it will be equally as important for City that De Bruyne shuts down the Danish midfielder and doesn’t allow him to dictate the game the way he wants to. Thus, this battle between two fantastic midfielders is one to keep an eye on.
#Marcus Rashford vs Ruben Dias
In what is a big boost for Man United, Ten Hag confirmed in his pre-match presser that Marcus Rashford has recovered from a muscular injury and is back training with his teammates.
Rashford, the Premier League’s Player of Month for September, has found a new lease of life under Ten Hag, and is now back playing with a lot of confidence and swagger. The United number 10’s explosive pace on the break will be key for the visitors—something City will be very much wary of.
Ruben Dias, City’s defensive lynchpin, has started the season very well and will be keen to continue in the same vein. The Portuguese will need to be at the top of his game, along with his fellow City defenders to keep the red-hot, irrepressible Rashford at bay on Sunday.
