Manchester United fancied to stun high-flying neighbours

All eyes will be on the Etihad Stadium on Sunday as Manchester City go head-to-head with local rivals Manchester United in the Premier League.

The Red Devils head into the game nine points behind City but with their confidence boosted following Wednesday’s magnificent Champions League victory at Juventus.

Cristiano Ronaldo had put the hosts ahead with an outstanding volley against his former club, but Juan Mata’s curling free-kick and an Alex Sandro own goal gave United a stunning 2-1 win.

City had a much more comfortable evening against Shakhtar Donetsk, with Gabriel Jesus’ hat-trick the highlight of a comprehensive 6-0 victory over the Ukrainian side.

Away fans watching the derby game via Manchester United live stream services will hope to see their team repeat last season’s heroics at the Etihad.

City led 2-0 at the break, but goals by Paul Pogba (2) and Chris Smalling completed a remarkable turnaround and prevented Pep Guardiola’s side from being crowned as champions in front of their big rivals.

United boss Jose Mourinho has a few injury worries to contend with ahead of the game, including striker Romelu Lukaku who is suffering pain in his hamstring.

The Belgian started 12 games in a row before being dropped for the Everton match, but he is hoping to be back in the squad this weekend. Diogo Dalot and Antonio Valencia missed Wednesday’s win in Italy and are doubtful for the City game.

The home side will be without Kevin De Bruyne following the knee injury he sustained last week. Fellow long-term absentee Claudio Bravo also misses out.

While City have been the dominant force in English football over the past 18 months, they are yet to wrestle supremacy from United in the derby stakes.

The Manchester rivals have met 42 times in the Premier League, with United winning 21 times, City 13, and eight draws between them.

City have won just two of their past eight games in all competitions against the Red Devils and they will be eager to improve on that record this weekend.

They haven’t lost to a side outside of the top four in 53 matches, but Mourinho would love nothing more than to spoil that record at the Etihad.

United dug deep to produce their best result of the season against Juve on Wednesday and it would be no surprise to see them pick up three points this weekend.

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