EPL Match Preview, Round 10: Manchester United Vs Manchester City

Written by Albert Echatah

One of the most famous games of the Premier League (PL) weekend takes place at Old Trafford as the 191st Manchester Derby takes place.

Manchester United have come to detest this fixture as the power dynamics in the city have changed recently. United has lost four of the last five meetings (W1), including the FA Cup final in June when Manchester City equaled United’s record of winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League (UCL).

Manchester United

Erik ten Hag’s players may be thinking about getting even, but they also need to focus on turning around their dismal season opener, as United now sits in eighth place going into this round.

Manchester United’s most recent 2-1 win in the similar matchup on this field last season are their six this season by a single goal margin; however, the matchup is most noted for the controversy surrounding Bruno Fernandes’ equalizer.

Form

With three straight victories on the bounce, Ten Hag’s men have bounced back from their dismal form and are now starting to look more like the record winners of the EPL. Harry Maguire gave United the lead while André Onana sealed the victory with a stop in the 97th minutes.

Player’s to watch

Marcus Rashford has had a direct hand in a goal in each of United’s last three PL H2H victories, including the winner in January’s 2-1 success.

Manchester City

As a result, Manchester City will want to avoid losing their next two visits to Old Trafford—a result they haven’t seen since February 2011.

At that point, City had not yet won a Premier League title; today, they have done it seven times, second only to United in that category (13). Now, Pep Guardiola’s team is attempting to accomplish something the Red Devils were never able to: they might win the Premier League for the fourth time in a row this year.

Form

With two straight victories, Pep Guardiola’s team has bounced back from their pre-international slump and is starting to look more like themselves. Although City’s 3-1 UCL success over Young Boys, winning on the road is undoubtedly encouraging given that they had lost three of their previous four games, including both of their most recent Premier League visits.

Player’s to watch

Erling Haaland netted a brace in midweek, and while he blanked on his only previous trip to Old Trafford, he directly contributed to five goals in a 6-3 H2H win at the Etihad Stadium last term (G3, A2)!

Team News

Though Ten Hag still has a few long-term absentees out, such as Lisandro Martinez (foot), Luke Shaw (muscle), Amad Diallo (knee), and Tyrell Malacia (knee), the Man United infirmary is gradually filling up. Jadon Sancho’s ban does not seem to be ending anytime soon.

The only other name on the champions’ list of absences is Kevin De Bruyne, who is once again sidelined due to a hamstring injury. The other player on the list is the suspended Akanji, whose absence should be made up by the returning John Stones.

Head-To-Head

The teams have played 190 matches in all competitions, United winning 78, City 59, and the remaining 53 having been drawn. Amongst the most successful clubs in England, they have won a combined 100 honours: 67 for Manchester United and 33 for Manchester City.

Hot stat

None of Manchester United’s last 21 matches have ended in a draw.

Possible Lineup

Manchester United: Onana; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Reguilon; Casemiro, Eriksen; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund

Manchester City: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol; Rodri, Silva; Doku, Alvarez, Foden; Haaland

Verdict

Even the most ardent Man United fan should concede that their previous three wins have been somewhat fortunate, and their persistent struggles in the closing third should prove to be their undoing in this tantalizing derby on Sunday. Manchester United 0-2 Manchester City

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