Anticipation is mounting for the upcoming Manchester Derby at the Etihad Stadium. Manchester City find themselves locked in a fierce battle for the league title, with Liverpool just ahead and Arsenal breathing down their necks. Meanwhile, Manchester United, now not uncommonly, are struggling to keep pace with their rivals but are vying for a coveted Champions League spot.
The stage is set for an epic showdown between two of English football’s titans. City, currently occupying the second spot in the league, are riding an impressive 18-game unbeaten streak. Their dominance at home has been unyielding, having not tasted defeat in the Premier League this year. However, their arch-rivals, United, under the stewardship of Erik ten Hag, are no strangers to resilience. With only one defeat in 2024, they’ve displayed a steely resolve, particularly on their travels.
The memory of City’s commanding 3-0 victory over United at Old Trafford in October still lingers. But as both teams enter this clash in good form, the narrative promises to be different this time around. United, fueled by the desire to avenge their previous defeat, will be determined to upset their noisy neighbours on their home turf.
Team News:
Manchester City will be without Jack Grealish, who injured himself on his return to action midweek at Luton. Defender Josko Gvardiol is close to returning from injury but this game will most likely come too early for him. Barring those two, Pep Guardiola’s side is entirely fit and available for this huge clash.
Manchester United have not been quite so fortunate on the injury front. Left-backs Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia have both been injury-hit for the whole season and both miss out on the derby. Lisandro Martinez also misses out after suffering an MCL injury in a fixture in February against West Ham. Red-hot Rasmus Hojlund is also dealing with a muscle injury and won’t be available. Mason Mount, Anthony Martial and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are all also long-term absentees. Tricky times for the Reds…
Key Players:
Manchester City: Erling Haaland
It sort of feels too obvious to call Haaland City’s key player, but his record against Manchester United is absurd. The Norwegian has played three games against the Red Devils, and has eight goal involvements. In his one game at the Etihad against United, he scored a hat trick and assisted two of Phil Foden’s three goals. He caused havoc against United that day, and that was when they had Lisandro Martinez! Haaland has been nothing short of sensational since his arrival at the City, consistently destroying opposition defences with his lethal combination of power, pace, and clinical finishing. Haaland’s remarkable goal-scoring prowess, 79 goals in 83 games, has not only propelled City’s attacking force but also injected a renewed sense of fearlessness and ambition into their gameplay. As the focal point of City’s forward line, all eyes will be on Haaland to deliver yet another commanding performance and lead his team to victory in the high-stakes clash against their arch-rivals.
Manchester United: Kobbie Mainoo
United’s 18-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is set to make his first Manchester Derby appearance, and he will be vital in their plans to get a result at the Etihad. Boasting an 86% pass completion in the Premier League this year, higher than Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, Mainoo’s composure on the ball will be key in a hostile Etihad atmosphere. Kobbie has already attracted the attention of England manager Gareth Southgate and there have been whispers of him being called up to the England squad for Euro 2024 in the summer in Germany. His composure, quick feet, and ability to know when to slow or speed up the tempo are all terrific, for a player of any age, let alone one who only recently became legal to buy a beer at Tesco’s (not that he would). Mainoo is incredible and will have a bright future at United.
- Of all the fixtures to be played at least 40 times in the Premier League, this fixture has the highest proportion of away wins at 42% (22/53).
- Marcus Rashford is scoreless in five games. He released an interview this week with The Player’s Tribune hitting back at critics. This Sunday is massive for him.
- City are unbeaten in 35 home matches in all competitions (W30, D5)
- Manchester City have won five of their past six games in all competitions against Manchester United. The Reds’ one win came in January 2023 in Ten Hag’s first home fixture against City. They won 2-1.
- In the last 15 games that United have scored first against City, they have won each and every one
- Rodri is unbeaten for Manchester City in all competitions for over a YEAR (since February 2023)
- United have scored 18 goals in their last eight Premier League matches, as many as they bagged in their opening 18 games of the season.
Manchester City are the clear favourites, priced at 1/4 on bet365. Manchester United are massive underdogs, priced at 9/1 on bet365.
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By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyH3lfgott on Twitter
