The stage is set at the Etihad for the latest chapter in one of English football’s fiercest rivalries, but this Manchester derby arrives with both Manchester City and Manchester United searching for answers rather than dominance. Pep Guardiola’s side sit fourth in the Premier League, far below their usual lofty standards, and enter Wednesday’s clash on the back of just one win in their last ten games across all competitions. A hard-fought 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace last weekend highlighted City’s resilience but also their vulnerabilities, with Rico Lewis’s heroics and subsequent red card epitomizing their erratic form.
United, meanwhile, are languishing in 13th place—their lowest points tally after 15 matches since 1986-87. New manager Rúben Amorim’s promising start has been derailed by back-to-back league defeats to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest. With a squad still in transition and confidence waning, Amorim has cautioned fans that rebuilding Manchester United will be a long-term project.
Can Amorim take Man United back to their glorious days? 🧐 pic.twitter.com/QKTqWeW83p
— 365Scores (@365Scores) December 7, 2024
Despite their struggles, derbies have a habit of defying form. For both sides, this match represents an opportunity to not only claim bragging rights but also spark a much-needed resurgence.
Manchester City vs. Manchester United Preview
Team News
Manchester City
Manchester City’s injury woes show no signs of easing, with Pep Guardiola facing yet another selection headache ahead of their next fixture. Rico Lewis is unavailable after his red card against Crystal Palace, exacerbating an already stretched defensive line. Guardiola will be sweating on the fitness of John Stones, Nathan Ake, and Manuel Akanji, any of whom returning could allow Josko Gvardiol to shift to his more natural left-back position. With limited options, Guardiola may have to get creative with his lineup, potentially leaning on younger squad players or adjusting his tactical setup to compensate.
Santa Pep is giving early Christmas presents to everyone 😁
— 365Scores (@365Scores) December 12, 2024
Tottenham have 1 win in their last 7 games
Juventus have 1 win in their last 5 games
Both wins were against Man City 🎁 pic.twitter.com/1rqwr5OknM
Manchester United
Manchester United continue to manage a mounting injury list, with Luke Shaw ruled out once again due to a lingering muscle issue. Jonny Evans, despite stepping up his recovery, will also miss out. Victor Lindelof, sidelined for nearly a month with a groin problem, has returned to training and will be assessed ahead of kickoff. Manager Rúben Amorim could rotate his squad, with Harry Maguire, Noussair Mazraoui, and Tyrell Malacia all pushing for a spot in the backline. In midfield, Mason Mount, Casemiro, and Christian Eriksen will also be vying for a return to the starting XI, offering Amorim options to tweak his approach.
Key Players
Manchester City – Erling Haaland
Even when Erling Haaland isn’t at his electrifying best, he remains one of the most dangerous players on the pitch. With 13 Premier League goals this season, the Norwegian striker has been a consistent force for Manchester City, capable of turning games on their head with a single moment of brilliance. Though his scoring form has cooled in recent weeks, Haaland’s appetite for the big occasion is undeniable. The Manchester derby is a stage he knows well, having already found the net in both of his Premier League home games against United. His physicality, positioning, and lethal finishing make him the focal point of City’s attack and a nightmare for opposing defenders.
City will lean heavily on Haaland’s ability to thrive in tight spaces and exploit defensive lapses, especially with their squad stretched by injuries. If the service from midfield is on point, expect Haaland to be in the thick of the action, ready to seize any opportunity that comes his way. For United, keeping him quiet for 90 minutes will be easier said than done.
Manchester United – Amad Diallo
Amad Diallo has been a standout performer for Manchester United this season, flourishing under the guidance of Rúben Amorim. Since the managerial change, the Ivorian winger has stepped into a key creative role, becoming an essential cog in United’s attacking machine. With six Premier League assists already, Diallo’s ability to pick apart defences with his vision and precision passing has been a game-changer. His sharp movement and quick thinking in the final third allow him to link up seamlessly with teammates, creating scoring opportunities out of nothing.
Diallo’s development has been one of the brighter storylines in a mixed campaign for United, as he’s combined technical excellence with a newfound consistency. Against City, his ability to exploit spaces and deliver killer balls could be pivotal. If Diallo can find pockets of freedom between City’s defensive lines, he has the talent to create chances that could turn the derby in United’s favor. This could be another big moment in his breakout season.
Key Statistics
- The Manchester Derby has been played a total of 194 times since the first one all the way back in 1891 when City were called Ardwick.
- In those 194 matches, United emerged as the winner 79 times, City won 62, and there have been 53 draws.
- Erling Haaland has just one Premier League goal in his last six games
- Pep Guardiola’s one-win-in-ten-games run is the worst of his managerial career.
Grealish's goal drought continues. ⚽️🚫
— 365Scores (@365Scores) December 12, 2024
Jack Grealish extends his goal drought to 44 consecutive games for Manchester City. Can he break the streak soon? pic.twitter.com/A1XLKWpRCP
By Nicky Helfgott – NickyHelfgott1 on X (Twitter)
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