With over a century of rivalry between the two clubs, Manchester City and Manchester United will lock horns again in Sunday’s Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium, as Manchester City play host to Manchester United.
Ten Hag’s Red Devils have not been in Premier League action since the emphatic 3-1 win against Arsenal on September 4 but United can boast four wins on the spin after overcoming a poor start but already sit five points off their local rivals, while Pep Guardiola’s side ran out 3-0 winners over Wolverhampton Wanderers before heading into the international break.
The Manchester derbies last season were ones to forget for United lost 2-0 at home before they were thumped 4-1 at the Etihad and City will be confident of another commanding display, with the seemingly unstoppable Erling Haaland up front.
Team news
Manchester City will look forward to having Aymeric Laporte back into the fold this weekend after being on the sidelines for the opening weeks of the season with a knee injury. The defender’s possible return will be a relief for Pep Guardiola after fellow John Stones suffered an injury scare while on international duty with England. Speaking after Monday’s draw with England, Gareth Southgate said: “John is feeling something with his hamstring.”
Manchester United will hope Marcus Rashford is fit after struggling with a thigh injury, with Ronaldo and Elanga in contention to start if the Derby comes too soon for him. Anthony Martial remains sidelined.
Summer signing Antony will hope to start again after his remarkable debut against Arsenal, having kept his fitness up with two cameos for Brazil over the international break. Elsewhere, Harry Maguire (hamstring), Donny van de Beek, Brandon Williams (both knock) and Martin Dubravka (muscle) are all doubts.
Last five meetings
06 Mar 2022: Manchester City 4-1 Manchester United: Premier League
06 Nov 2021: Manchester United 0-2 Manchester City: Premier League
07 Mar 2021: Manchester City 0-2 Manchester United: Premier League
06 Jan 2021: Manchester United 0-2 Manchester City: League Cup
12 Dec 2020: Manchester United 0-0 Manchester City: Premier League
Manchester City Premier League form: WDWWDW
Manchester City form (all competitions): WWDWWW
Manchester United Premier League form: LLWWWW
Manchester United form (all competitions): WWWWLW
Head-to-head stats
Matches: 187
Manchester City: 57
Draws: 53
Manchester United: 77
Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Dias, Cancelo; Silva, Rodri, De Bruyne; Foden, Haaland, Grealish
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Malacia; Casemiro, Eriksen; Antony, Fernandes, Sancho; Ronaldo
Prediction
Manchester City 2:1 Manchester United