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This weekend sees Manchester City play host to heated rivals Manchester United in the first Manchester derby of the 2019/20 season. Both sides are coming off midweek victories; Pep Guardiola’s City defeated Burnley, while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men gave Jose Mourinho a sour return to Old Trafford by beating his Tottenham side. A win for City seems imperative here; they currently sit 11 points behind league leaders Liverpool and can’t afford to lose any more ground if they want to retain their Premier League title, while United will look to move into the top five with a win.
Also read: Manchester United 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur: 5 talking points
Manchester City vs. Manchester United Head-to-Head
In terms of the historical record, the Manchester derby has been traditionally dominated by United, who have won 73 games compared to 53 for City, with 52 draws between the rivals. Last season, however, saw City do the double over the Red Devils, and United have just one victory – in April 2018 – over the Citizens in the last three seasons.
Manchester City form guide: W-L-W-D-W
Manchester United form guide: L-W-D-D-W
Also read: Burnley 1-4 Manchester City: 3 talking points
Manchester City vs. Manchester United Team News
City’s two long term injury concerns – Leroy Sane and Aymeric Laporte – remain on the sidelines for the foreseeable future, while striker Sergio Aguero will also miss the clash due to his thigh injury. Oleksandr Zinchenko remains a doubt despite returning to training this week. Guardiola’s side have no suspensions, though – Ilkay Gundogan is available again after missing City’s midweek game with Burnley.
Injuries: Leroy Sane, Aymeric Laporte, Sergio Aguero
Doubtful: Oleksandr Zinchenko
Suspended: None
United remain without defenders Diego Dalot and Eric Bailly, who likely won’t return until 2020. Paul Pogba may return before Christmas but isn’t expected to make this match, while Anthony Martial and Marcos Rojo are likely to miss it too. Nemanja Matic may return after his groin issue after only narrowly missing the Spurs game on Wednesday.
Injuries: Diego Dalot, Eric Bailly, Paul Pogba
Doubtful: Anthony Martial, Marcos Rojo
Suspended: None
Manchester City vs. Manchester United Predicted XI
Manchester City Predicted XI (4-3-3): Ederson, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Fernandinho, Benjamin Mendy, Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri, David Silva, Bernardo Silva, Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling
Also read: Manchester City have no doubts over Jesus - Guardiola
Manchester United Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): David De Gea, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Ashley Young, Scott McTominay, Fred, Daniel James, Juan Mata, Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood
Manchester City vs. Manchester United Prediction
This is a derby so it’s always going to be hard to predict, but based on current form I’m going for a City win. United looked good in stages of their win over Spurs but still left gaps at times and allowed an overmatched opponent back into the game, and while City’s defence is suspect – particularly with Marcus Rashford in scintillating form – it’s hard not to see Sterling, De Bruyne and company finding gaps in the Red Devils’ backline. Fred and Scott McTominay, in particular, may struggle against City’s fluid passing game.
Verdict: Manchester City 3-1 Manchester United
