Manchester Derby: Key battles, team news… Can United Stop City?

Manchester United vs Manchester City is one of the most highly-anticipated matches in English football. This time, City will be taking a very short trip to Old Trafford for the 191st Manchester derby.

Last season, the Red Devils came from behind to win City 2-1 in this fixture so they will be aiming to win back-to-back home games against their city rivals for the first time since a run of victories at home since 2011. However, as they continue to get used to life under Erik Ten Hag, Manchester United has not had a great start to the season.

United started this season in a shaky form winning only five of their first 9 premier league games and they are in 8th position on the league table and had Late minute save from Onana to thank for their first European win of the season after losing the first two games. However, United seems to have picked form after winning three matches in a row for the first time this campaign.

On the other hand, Manchester City would have a perfect start to the Premier league season right now if not for a back to back away losses in the hands of Wolves and last season’s runner up, Arsenal which have left them 2nd on the league table. City bounced back with a win against Brighton but still finding it difficult to keep the ball off their own net as they’re now five games without a clean sheet.

More than any other team, the Cityzens have won eight Premier League away games against Manchester United, with seven of those victories coming in their previous twelve trips to Old Trafford.

Although Manchester City has been in a better form lately, the Derby is a completely different ball game. Anything can happen on match day because of the fierce rivalry between these two teams, which frequently brings out the best in both teams.

Both teams have strong motivation going into this match. Manchester United’s goal is to keep up their winning ways, get closer to the top four, and potentially return to the title fight. While City will aim to keep up their lead in the race for another league title.

United vs City team news:

Manchester United will hope to have Casemiro back in the lineup when they welcome City on Sunday.

The Brazilian l sustained an injury during his country’s World Cup qualifying match, which delayed his return to England and prevented him from playing in the 2-1 victory against Sheffield United.

Nevertheless, he resumed training prior to the UEFA Champions League matchup with FC Copenhagen; however, he was unable to participate in the thrilling 1-0 triumph since he was serving a one-game suspension in the competition.

Kobbie Mainoo made a comeback in the UEFA Youth League match against FC Copenhagen however, Amad is still not available for selection.

Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw are among the important defenders that Ten Hag is still missing. As a result, Harry Maguire is expected to maintain his position ahead of Victor Lindelof.

Another player missing is Aaron Wan-Bissaka, but United has stated that he will resume full training this week.

Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez were not on the starting eleven as City won Young Boys 3-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday.  Julian Alvarez came on during the second half, but Phil Foden remained on the bench. The two are expected to start the derby on Sunday.

Manuel Akanji is suspended for the derby after being dismissed late in the 2-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion the previous weekend.

But aside from the suspended center-back, whose absence ought to be made up for by the returning John Stones, Kevin De Bruyne is the only other name on the champions’ list of absences, as the hamstring injury victim will once again watch from the sidelines. Josko Gvardiol, Kyle Walker, Bernardo Silva, and others are expected to make their way back into the starting lineup for the Citizens.

Manchester United vs Manchester City: Time and venue

Kick-off date is Sunday 29th October, 2023

Kick-off time is 15:30 (BST)

Venue is Old Trafford

Referee will be Paul Tierney

Predicted Manchester United starting lineup:

Onana; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Reguilion, Casemiro, Amrabat, Antony, Fernandes, Rashford, Hojlund

Predicted Manchester City starting lineup:

Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol, Rodri, Silva, Doku, Alvarez, Foden, Haaland

Key battles to watch out for are :

1. Rasmus Hojlund vs Ruben Dias

Although Rasmus Hojlund hasn’t scored a goal in the league for Manchester United yet, he’s a dangerous player in the final third that the Citizens should watch out for. Hojlund is a superb finisher who also has exceptional positioning in the last third of the game. Pep will be counting on the experience of Ruben Dias as a centre back to keep the Danish striker calm.

2. Erling Haaland vs Harry Maguire

Erling Haaland is one player the Red Devils defence should attempt to silence if they are to stand a better chance in this derby. Additionally, it is challenging to keep track of how he moves during an attack and that makes him hard to contain. Harry Maguire, on the other hand, is at the peak of his game right now and has been one of his team’s best players lately. But if he wants to quiet the Norwegian in this match, he’ll need to play at his best.

Manchester United vs Manchester City prediction

Even the most ardent Man United fan should concede that their last three wins have been somewhat fortunate, and their persistent struggles in the closing third should prove to be their biggest problem in this tantalising derby on Sunday.

Although Man City hasn’t exactly been perfect in the defence this season, we don’t think Guardiola’s team will be troubled by the hosts’ disjointed attack. The teams should share the bragging rights.

United 2 vs City 2