Manchester City will face Manchester United in the most exciting first Manchester Derby of the season at Etihad on Sunday. The match is going to be really vital for both the sides for different reasons. Manchester City will wish to stay at the top of the table with a convincing win against their arch rivals. While a win or draw at Etihad will push Manchester United to the top six positions in the Premier League.
After a big win against Shakhtar Donetsk in the midweek in the Group Stage match of the Champions League, the Blue side of Manchester will be high on confidence to face their local rivals Manchester United at Etihad Stadium on Sunday. The League leaders will not wish to drop any points against Manchester United to stay ahead of Chelsea and Liverpool in the League Table. Both the clubs have easy fixtures on Sunday and they will mostly win those matches. If Manchester City drop points here, the other two sides will catch them in terms of points.
On the other hand, Manchester United will be high on confidence after beating Juventus at Turin in the Group Stage match of the Champions League. Manchester United have also performed well against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in this season. The Red Devils almost secured a win against Chelsea; however Ross Barkley’s strike at the 95th minute of the match snatched the win away from Jose Mourinho’s men.
Team News :
Manchester City :
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has rested Sergio Aguero against Shakhtar Donetsk in the midweek to keep him fit against Manchester United in the Premier League. Gabriel Jesus took the opportunity and scored a Hat-Trick in that match. If Aguero fails to perform against Manchester United, Gabriel Jesus will be on soon. Raheem Sterling has shown his class in the previous match of Manchester City in the Premier League. However, the in form player has failed to score a single goal against Manchester till date in his playing career. Among Riyad Mahrez and Leroy Sane, Pep Guardiola might opt to choose Leroy Sane. Kevin De Bruyne is the only injury concern for Pep Guardiola as he is out of contention for this match.
Manchester United :
Paul Pogba was not seen in the training of the Red Devils on Friday. He is doubtful to feature against Manchester City on Sunday. On the other hand, Romelu Lukaku is completely fit and he is all set to take part in the match against Manchester City. Antonio Valencia is also available for selection. Jose Mourinho was confident in the pre match conference as his side were able to beat Juventus in the Champions League. The Portuguese manager will hope that his side will be able to snatch at least one point from Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Predicted Starting Eleven :
Manchester City : (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper : Ederson
Defenders : Walker, Stones, Laporte, Mendy.
Midfielders : Bernardo, Fernandinho, Silva.
Attackers : Sterling, Aguero, Sane.
Manchester United : (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper : De Gea
Defenders : Young, Smalling, Lindelof, Shaw.
Midfielders : Herrera, Matic, Mata.
Attackers : Sanchez, Lukaku, Martial.
My Predicted Scoreline :
Manchester City 2-2 Manchester United.
