Manchester City vs Manchester United: possible starting XIs for the derby
We take a look at the possible line-ups for City and United at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Manchester City take on Manchester United in the Manchester derby on Sunday. Pep Guardiola’s side are currently second in the league, one point off leaders Arsenal.
City will be without key defender John Stones after he was forced off with what appeared to be a hamstring injury while playing for England against Germany during the international break.
Guardiola told reporters on Friday: “He is injured. He will be back when he is ready. I don’t know when he will come back but I think maybe 10 days, two weeks.”
City eased past their neighbours in last season’s Premier League fixtures and could beat them three times in a row for the first time since 2014.
Haaland on fire for City
Top scorer Erling Haaland has been in sensational form this season but United centre-back Lisandro Martínez will be confident coming up against him after previous battles in the Champions League between Ajax and Borussia Dortmund. The Norwegian has already netted 11 times in just seven league matches.
United make short trip to Etihad
The international break may have arrived at the wrong time for United, who were finding momentum under manager Erik ten Hag. On Friday, the Dutch coach picked up the Manager of the Month award for September.
Ten Hag has managed to steady the ship at Old Trafford after a poor start to the season, with back-to-back defeats against Brighton and Bournemouth.
“I played many derbies and I know what derbies, what they are,” Ten Hag explained in Friday’s press conference.
“With rivals, what they do with each other, I think, and I know, it’s the most important game in the Manchester area for the fans. It excites me.
“You want to be involved in these games, because it gives a good vibe, it gives so much energy. You do everything to win that game.”
Since the early season defeats, United have gone on to record four wins on the bounce and will be hoping to make it five at the Etihad on Sunday.
Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen are expected to be the midfield pair for United on Sunday, with Jadon Sancho and Antony playing wide of Bruno Fernandes.
Rashford Player of the Month
Marcus Rashford, United’s top goalscorer this season, has missed United’s last two games with a muscle injury which means Cristiano Ronaldo could start in attack.
Rashford’s four goal involvements in September were enough for him to see off competition from the likes of City’s Kevin De Bruyne and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to win the Player of the Month award for September.
Man City possible XI
Ederson; Walker, Dias, Ake, Cancelo; Rodri, Gundogan, De Bruyne; Bernardo Silva, Haaland, Foden.
Man United possible XI
De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martínez, Malacia; McTominay, Eriksen; Antony, Fernandes, Sancho; Ronaldo.