With the last international break before the 2022 FIFA World Cup in the rear-view mirror, Premier League action returns this weekend with a blockbuster clash between Manchester City and Manchester United. The game has been a permanent fixture and an entertaining one as such in recent years. Pep Guardiola and his charges swept last season’s clashes with city rivals United but know it is never a walk in the park. Man City have picked up 17 points from a possible 21 and sits second on the league log. Man United are not far behind in 5th with 12 points, having played one game less.
Form Guide
Manchester City:
Man City have been clinical in front of goal since the start of the season and are averaging 3.5 goals scored per match. They have only failed to score more than one goal in a single game this season, in a draw at Aston Villa. 23 goals scored, 6 goals conceded- new recruit, Erling Haaland, netting 11 of those goals.
Manchester United:
The red side of Manchester have endured a somewhat topsy-turvy start to the season. Fortunately, they have enjoyed some stability in recent weeks, winning their last four games in a row. In terms of goal scoring, they have hit the back of the net 8 times and conceded as many goals. Having played six games, the Red Devils are averaging 1.33 goals per game.
Team News
Kalvin Philips remains sidelined after having shoulder surgery and faces a race against time to be fit for the World Cup with England. There is good news as Aymeric Laporte has trained with the team as he recovers from a knee injury, while John Stones is expected to miss out after limping out of England’s game with Germany, with what Iooked like a hamstring injury.
For United, backup goalkeeper Martin Dubravka pulled out of the international games with injury and isn’t expected to be fit. Donny van de Beek and Harry Maguire are doubts for this game. The duo of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial have been out injured.
Key Battles
The derby compared to other games gives a higher level of competition across the field. On Sunday, one key battle will be in the midfield where both teams have some quality players. Winning the midfield battle will be key in dictating the pace of the game. While players like Kevin De Bruyne and Bruno Fernandes are the ones to watch, two other players fly under the radar for this one.
Ilkay Gündogan vs Christian Eriksen
Gündogan has developed into a well-rounded midfield kingpin, offering goals, chance creation and defensive support to an immensely talented Manchester City team. Over the last two seasons, he has scored 21 times and equally creating a good number of chances. With many clubs’ focus on De Bruyne, the German gets opportunities to affect the game positively and to good effect. If he is able to get the upper hand on Man United’s midfield, Man City have a great chance at dominating the game.
On the other side, Christian Eriksen has flourished also on the left side of midfield. While many felt he would struggle, particularly due to the presence of Fernandes, he has actually adapted into a more-orthodox central midfielder, partnering with Scott McTominay. His ball progression and ability to find space between the lines will be very important if United are to come out of this game with something. He has shown how great a player he is, most recently against Arsenal where he had a hand in all three goals.
Erling Haaland vs Varane & Martinez
It will be exciting to see how Manchester United defend against the ever-prolific Norwegian. The steely partnership formed between Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez will face their sternest test yet. Haaland already has 11 goals and would love to extend his lead atop the goalscorers chart. He is also facing tougher defensive opposition and this game will give everyone a sneak peek into how he will fare against the tougher opposition in the league.
Predicted Starting XIs
Manchester City predicted lineup vs Manchester United: Ederson; Cancelo, Ake, Dias, Walker; Rodri, De Bruyne, Gündogan; Bernardo, Haaland, Foden.
Manchester United predicted lineup vs Manchester City: De Gea, Dalot, Martinez, Varane, Malacia; McTominay, Eriksen, Fernandes, Antony, Sancho, Ronaldo.
