Team News
Manchester United’s injury list is gradually shrinking, but Erik ten Hag still has a number of long-term absentees to contend with. Lisandro Martinez (foot), Amad Diallo (knee), Luke Shaw (muscle), and Tyrell Malacia (knee) remain sidelined, while Jadon Sancho’s exile from the squad shows no signs of ending soon. However, there is cautious optimism over the return of Casemiro, who has been working his way back from an injury sustained on international duty with Brazil. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is also nearing full fitness after recovering from a thigh issue, although he is expected to start from the bench if selected. Sofyan Amrabat, who was substituted at half-time against Copenhagen in midweek, could find himself replaced by Christian Eriksen in midfield. Eriksen has made a strong case to start alongside either Casemiro or Scott McTominay in the derby.
For Manchester City, Manuel Akanji will miss the clash due to suspension, having been sent off for two bookable offences against Brighton. His absence is likely to be covered by the returning John Stones. Aside from the suspended defender, the only other notable absentee for City is Kevin De Bruyne, who continues to recover from a long-term hamstring injury. Pep Guardiola is expected to rotate his squad, with Josko Gvardiol, Kyle Walker, Bernardo Silva, and Phil Foden all in line for recalls. Julián Álvarez, who had a goal ruled out during City’s midweek European fixture, is also set to feature, looking to add to his impressive tally for the season.
Form Guide
Manchester United have managed to climb to eighth place in the Premier League table after narrow wins over Sheffield United and Brentford in their last two outings. With 15 points, they are still five points adrift of Liverpool, who currently occupy the final Champions League spot. United have only been shut out at Old Trafford twice in Premier League home matches since the start of the 2022-23 campaign, with Southampton and Crystal Palace the only teams to deny them goals. However, despite their home scoring record, Ten Hag’s side have struggled to keep clean sheets at Old Trafford this season, a concerning statistic ahead of facing Erling Haaland and City’s formidable attack.
Manchester City, meanwhile, remain unbeaten in European competition this term and bounced back from two consecutive league defeats by edging Brighton 2-1 last weekend. Despite this, City find themselves trailing league leaders Tottenham Hotspur, who could extend their lead at the top of the table with victory over Crystal Palace on Friday night. City’s recent defensive record is less than impressive, having failed to keep a clean sheet in their last six matches across all competitions. Furthermore, Guardiola’s side are in danger of losing three consecutive Premier League games for the first time under his management, a feat not seen since the Manuel Pellegrini era in 2016.
Predicted Outcome
We predict a 2-1 victory for Manchester City in Sunday’s derby. While Manchester United have secured three consecutive wins, there has been an element of good fortune in each of those results. Their continued struggles in the final third, coupled with defensive frailties, are likely to be exposed by City’s attacking prowess. Although United will put up a fight, Guardiola’s men should have enough firepower to secure a narrow victory at Old Trafford.