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Arguably the best fixture of 'Super Sunday', Manchester United taking on Manchester City will not give football fans a moment of peace. It is a game which paralyses almost everyone in Manchester, and football fanatics around the globe will keep their eyes glued.
This fixture proved to be comfortable for United over the years, but Manchester City have slowly turned it around. Manchester City were once not in the 'Big 4' but times have changed, and it's United's turn to stop a seemingly unstoppable Manchester City nowadays.
Manchester City have already scored a staggering 50 goals in all competitions this season', even without their main playmaker, Kevin De Bruyne. But the significant improvement in their defence makes them almost invincible. There are no doubts about their squad depth as well as quality, and they have shown the world that Manchester City are a team without weakness.
Manchester United on the other hand, are languishing 8th on the points table. They have only won 6 out of their 11 games, losing 3 in the process. Although players like Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku have struggled to find form, Anthony Martial's recent performances are a silver lining.
United's latest victory against Juventus in the UEFA Champions League will provide them a much needed confidence boost ahead of the clash, but Jose Mourinho and co know that stopping City will be a different challenge altogether. Lets take a quick glance at key battles in this mammoth Manchester derby.
#3 Anthony Martial vs John Stones and Laporte
This is one battle the Manchester United fans will look forward to. Martial is well on his way to revamp United's poor run of form. His cohesive play and link up with Alexis Sanchez and Jesse Lingard upfront seems to have brought some good fortune back in the absence of their target man, Romelu Lukaku.
On the other hand, Martial will face a huge task breaking the barriers of City's dynamic duo at the back, Laporte and Stones. Both of them form a formidable pair with their skillful on the ball play and almost perfect passes throughout the game.
Laporte averages 1.5 interceptions, and almost 3 clearances per game, and it is not surprising that he has played every single minute in the English Premier League. It will be interesting to see who partners Martial upfront, but the United attack led by Martial will face an uphill task in this game.
#2 Aguero - Sterling - B. Silva vs Lindelof and Smalling
Most teams would struggle without their best player, but not Manchester City. Their attack looks exquisite with every move thanks to the exploits of Raheem Sterling, Sergio Aguero, and Bernardo Silva upfront.
While a player like Aguero needs no introduction, both Sterling and Bernardo Silva have been exceptional with their dynamism and superior technical ability. Without Kevin De Bruyne, they are the pivotal reason for Manchester City's staggering goal flow this season. They have created chances at will, therefore United's centre back pairing will have a huge task on their hands.
Most Jose Mourinho teams look organised in defense, but United have leaked goals this season. They have already leaked 18 goals so far while City have conceded only 4 and scored 33. Victor Lindelof is the only the consistent performer in United's back-line.
The United centre back pairing will have an uphill task keeping Manchester City's attackers at bay.
If United's centre back pair are not up to the mark today, the scoreline could look similar to a cricket score.
#1 Jose Mourinho vs Pep Guardiola
The most intriguing of all the clashes is the face-off between these seasoned managers at the helm of their respective clubs. Both of them have won trophies and shaped ideologies throughout their journeys in the last decade and more. With these two at the helm, the tactical battle in this high voltage tie will be crucial.
Jose Mourinho has received his fair share of criticism, and has been on the receiving end since United's poor start to the season. His third seasons with his previous clubs have left a bitter taste in the mouth, but United's latest victories seem to be unleashing the Jose Mourinho we all love and loathe.
On the other hand, Pep Guardiola is on his way to making another dynasty. His high flying Manchester City look untouchable at times. His constant search for perfection has made City a scary team for rivals, and even without a player like Kevin De Bruyne, they are on their way to surpass their own staggering records.
It will not be just a clash between two top tactical masterminds of our generation, but also a clash of contrasting ideologies.
