On Saturday at Old Trafford, Manchester United and Manchester City will face off in the inaugural Manchester derby of the 2021-22 Premier League season.
Only three points separate the two clubs, with the Cityzens now in third place on the league table with 20 points after ten games. Their opponents, on the other hand, are in fifth place with 17 points.
The two clubs have played each other 185 times in competitive matches, with the Red Devils winning 77 times and City winning 55 times. A total of 53 games have resulted in a draw.
Manchester United vs Manchester City Team News
Man United are still missing Paul Pogba, who is serving the second of a three-game domestic ban this weekend, while Raphael Varane, who suffered a hamstring injury in midweek, has been ruled out for a month.
Solskjaer may not be able to pitch the three-man rearguard that was so effective against Spurs due to Victor Lindelof’s injury, but the Swede is expected to recover.
Also Read- Ronaldo latest message to Man United teammates ahead of Upcoming Matches
This week, Fred, Cavani, and Mason Greenwood will all be in contention for first-team recalls, with Rashford possibly dropping out as Solskjaer makes room for the two veterans in the final third.
Meanwhile, City have revealed that Ferran Torres will be out for another few months, while Laporte will join Pogba on the naughty step after his red card against Palace.
Also Read- Juventus show interest in Hazard following Manchester United Bayern Munich rejection
As a result, John Stones, who scored an own goal in midweek, is expected to partner Ruben Dias in defense this week, while Kevin De Bruyne, who made a 15-minute cameo against Brugge, is expected to return to the starting XI.
With Sterling still without a goal against Man United after 23 outings, Foden should continue to be the focal focus of City’s attack with Jesus and Jack Grealish.
Also Read- Pep Guardiola to Aguero- “Life is much more important”
Manchester United vs City: Stats
- Ole Gunnar Solskjær has won four of his eight meetings with Man City boss Pep Guardiola in all competitions, the best win-rate of any manager to face the Spaniard at least five times (50%).
- Since joining Man United, Bruno Fernandes has been directly involved in more goals (44 goals, 33 assists) than any other Premier League player across all competitions.
- Man City has won seven Premier League matches at United, the joint-most of any away team at Old Trafford, alongside Liverpool.
- Man City has failed to score in three of their 10 Premier League matches this season, already as many as in the whole of 2020-21. However, the Citizens have never failed to score in the 12:30 Saturday kick-off slot since it became a regular fixture in the Premier League in 2016-17 (23 matches).
Manchester United vs Manchester City Line Up
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
De Gea; Bailly, Lindelof, Maguire; Wan-Bissaka, McTominay, Fred, Shaw; Fernandes; Ronaldo, Cavani
Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Ederson; Walker, Dias, Stones, Cancelo; Silva, Rodri, De Bruyne; Jesus, Foden, Grealish
No comments:
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the comment writers alone and does not reflect or represent the views naija talk show