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Match Preview for Manchester City v Manchester United
The headline fixture on the first weekend of the Premier League following the international break sees the two Manchester giants battle it out at the Etihad for both bragging rights and, perhaps more importantly, a much-needed three points.
Neither side has started the new campaign particularly strong. City have lost two of their opening three top-flight games, while United picked up their first victory last time out courtesy of a last-gasp Bruno Fernandes penalty against Burnley at Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim’s job appears no less safe despite having a full preseason as Red Devils boss under his belt. The EFL Cup elimination at the hands of League Two Grimsby – despite the Mariners fielding an ineligible player – makes this clash with Pep Guardiola’s side all the more important for the Portuguese coach.
Meanwhile, Guardiola, will be looking to silence a few critics of his own following successive defeats to Tottenham and Brighton. The City boss doubled down on his playing philosophy recently, insisting he will “never’ change his footballing beliefs, but hinted his squad are finding it hard to gel.
Although only three games into the new league season, it seems there is plenty riding on the latest Manchester derby.
Team news for Manchester City v Manchester United
Another name was added to City’s injury list in midweek when Omar Marmoush was forced off early in Egypt’s World Cup qualifier against Burkina Faso with a knee issue.
The injury see him miss the derby alongside summer signings Rayan Cherki and Rayan Ait-Nouri. Midfielder Mateo Kovavic is also absent.
Elsewhere, defender John Stones withdrew from England duty for the recent qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia, and will also be a doubt for the visit of the rivals in red.
However, the good news for Guardiola is that Erling Haaland, who required stitches following a freak incident involving the door of the team bus while away with Norway, will be full of confidence after netting five goals for his country in an 11-1 demolition of Moldova on Tuesday.
It prompted the City manager to express his admiration for the towering striker in a week when Liverpool boss Arne Slot hailed Alexander Isak as “maybe the best striker in the world”.
Guardiola said: “Isak must be a top player because of what they paid. Another one would say Mbappe, Messi, Cristiano… I wouldn’t change Erling for anyone. I know him. I like him.”
In other positive team news for City, Abdukodir Khusanov, Josko Gvardiol, Savinho, Phil Foden and Marcus Bettinelli are all expected to be fit and available for the clash on Sunday.
In the United camp, Amorim, will be without both Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount, who were both forced off injured in the win over Burnley.
Lisandro Martinez remains sidelined, while Diogo Dalot is also unavailable after withdrawing from the Portugal squad last week with a muscle injury.
Arguably the most intriguing area of team news for both teams is between the sticks. With Andre Onana now on loan to Turkish side Trabzonspor, Amorim will likely stick with Altay Bayindir rather than turn to new signing Senne Lammens.
Meanwhile, Guardiola is faced with a decision between James Trafford and high-profile new addition Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain.
Expected line-ups for Manchester City v Manchester United
Manchester City: Trafford; Lewis, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol; Rodri, Reijnders, Silva; Bobb, Haaland, Doku
Manchester United: Bayindir; Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw; Amad, Mainoo, Casemiro, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Fernandes; Sesko
How to watch Manchester City v Manchester United: TV channel, online stream
The game will kick-off at 16:30pm on Sunday at the Etihad. UK fans can watch the match live on Sky Sports/Now TV. Sky Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app.
The stats for Manchester City v Manchester United
Manchester City have won five of their last eight Premier League matches against Manchester United, drawing one and losing the other two.
Despite their dismal league finish last term, Manchester United were unbeaten against their rivals in the league for the first time since 2020/21.
With four victories at the Etihad, United have inflicted 25% of Pep Guardiola’s total home Premier League defeats as Man City manager.
Manchester United have had 58 shots in the Premier League this season, 14 more than any other side.
A defeat for City would see Guardiola take the second highest number of Premier League games (346) to lose 50, behind Sir Alex Ferguson, whose 50th defeat didn’t come until his 367th match.
Prediction
Even if still early in the season, this Manchester derby could have wider-reaching repercussions for both managers. Neither side has been hugely impressive this term, and the importance of not losing this one may make for a cagey affair at the Etihad.
Prediction: Manchester City 1-1 Manchester United
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