Bidding to do the Premier League double over cross-town rivals, Manchester City welcome Manchester United to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday evening.
The Sky Blues smashed Luton Town 6-2 at Kenilworth Road in the FA Cup fifth round on Tuesday night, showing their ruthless side to turn a very tricky cup tie into one of the most memorable wins of the campaign. Before the FA Cup win over Luton, they had eked Bournemouth 1-0 away on Saturday in the Premier League to stay only a point behind league leaders Liverpool.
With four wins on the spin across all competitions, Pep Guardiola’s side will be overwhelming favourites on paper for the Manchester derby.
Manchester City Team News
Manchester City were dealt a big blow in the FA Cup win at Luton as Jack Grealish was forced off during the first half with a recurrence of a groin problem. He is ruled out for the Manchester derby, while Josko Gvardiol remains a couple of weeks away from returning to team training.
Predicted Manchester City lineup vs Manchester United (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Ederson will replace cup goalkeeper Stefan Ortega when Man City take on Man United at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. The Brazilian will be raring to produce a strong display in goal and keep a clean sheet.
Defence
Ruben Dias was rested against Luton in the FA Cup, so the Portuguese will be expected to slot straight back against Man United. John Stones and Nathan Ake were replaced early on 74 minutes in midweek with an eye on Sunday’s derby. The duo are likely to join Dias in defence, with Kyle Walker—despite playing the entire cup game on Tuesday—remaining an undisputed starter.
Walker and Ake will take up the full-back positions, looking to make contributions at both ends of the pitch. Meanwhile, Dias will partner Stones in central defence.
Midfield
Rodri was given a night off at Kenilworth Road in midweek, and as a result, the Spaniard will be fresh to start the Manchester derby. He is City’s most important player and the midfielder’s presence significantly increases their chance of winning the game.
Kevin de Bruyne provided four assists to Erling Haaland against Luton, turning in a dominant performance. The Belgian is a certain starter and would partner Rodri in the middle of the park on Sunday, with Bernardo Silva operating in the No.10 role. The trio will look to take control of the game as early as possible and dominate their cross-town rivals in the centre of the pitch.
Attack
Having scored an eye-catching five goals in the 6-2 cup win over Luton, Erling Haaland’s confidence will be on another level heading into the Manchester derby. The Norwegian goal-machine will be licking his lips at the prospect of facing a vulnerable Man United defence at the weekend.
Phil Foden, who was rested in the last game, has become undroppable with his brilliant recent form and looks a guaranteed starter for the derby. On the opposite flank, Jack Grealish’s injury opens the door for Jeremy Doku to start.