All anticipation leads to the exciting derby in the Premier League this Sunday as Manchester City host Manchester United at the Etihad. City will be hoping to pick all maximum points against a United side going through injury problems and inconsistent form. The host will aim to overtake league leaders Liverpool in the race for the title, while United will be aiming to secure a Champions League qualification this season.
Manchester City vs Manchester United
Out of the 191 Manchester Derbies, Manchester United has had 78 wins, and City with 60 wins and 53 draws. The last 5 Meetings have seen City edge with four wins and a loss to United. The scoreline in recent Derbies has seen a minimum of three goals upwards, making it a goal feast. Players to look out for in this derby include Erling Halland, and De Bryune as they’ve proved difficult to contend with. Other key players from the United side include Rashford, and Fernandes, as they’ll solely be dependent on their flair, pace, and creativity.
Team News: Manchester City
Closing the gap on league leaders while aiming for another successive win, will be the focus of City when they host Manchester United at Etihad. With their current form, they have won 8 out of 10 league games and are currently in 2nd place. Haaland and De Bruyne were firing on all cylinders in Tuesday’s perfect 6-2 win over Luton in the FA Cup. City look to repeat the same in this weekend’s Manchester derby. Their Only injury doubt would be Grealish who will be absent in Sunday’s Derby.
Team News: Manchester United
On the other hand, United against all odds will have to prove themselves at the Etihad. Their current injury list comprises key players like Maguire, Hojlund, Shaw, Martinez, Mount, Wan-Bissaka, Malacia, and Martial all sidelined. This might see United deploy Amrabat to fill in the left-back position and a tweak in formation at Etihad.
Manchester United irrespective of injury crisis have been able to grind out results and hope to improve when players return. United have enjoyed an unbeaten run this year before being cut short with the loss to Fulham. They’re currently 6th on the premier league rankings with 8 points adrift from the top four.
Erik Ten Hag is confident Manchester United will put out a credible performance, in his statement when asked about squad comparisons;
“Our form. We are also on a good run, the spirit is very good. We have done it before against City, also against Liverpool. We will prepare well. The players are looking forward to it. I can smell it. I am excited.”
“They [Man City] are a good team. There are more good teams. They last in the last season everything. That is the challenge. Liverpool also have a good team. We like challenges.”
Possible Lineups
Manchester City:
Ederson; Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji; Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva; Alvarez, Erling Haaland, Foden.
Coach: Pep Guardiola
Manchester United:
Onana; Dalot, Varane, Lindelof, Amrabat; Casemiro, Mc Tominay, Maino; Fernandes, Garnacho and Marcus Rashford.
Coach: Erik Ten Hag.
Conclusion
Manchester City considering their recent run would desperately need a win against Manchester United to close on league leader Liverpool. It’s expected of City to be in total control and dominant throughout the match. United will be forced to sit back on defense and plunge on the counter. Considering the injury blows and inability to progress play from the back, United’s defense will have to contend with City’s constant Threat at goal.
Time: 3.30 pm GMT
Date: Sunday, March 3, 2024
Stadium: Etihad
For more great content, check us out on X @TotalApexSports. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we do several shows daily. Make sure you follow us on NewsBreak as well.