Manchester United vs Manchester City: Preview, Team News, Lineups, Prediction

Fans are eagerly anticipating the 191st Manchester derby as Manchester United takes on cross-town rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford.

Both teams are coming into this highly-anticipated match following their respective Champions League victories.

Match Preview

Manchester United secured a 1-0 victory against Copenhagen, while Manchester City, the reigning European champions, overcame BSC Young Boys with a 3-1 win.

In the wake of the legendary Sir Bobby Charlton’s passing, the fans of both Red Devils and Copenhagen united in a touching pre-game tribute to the 1966 World Cup winner.

His legacy will be celebrated with moments of remembrance across the country this weekend.

In their recent Premier League game, Manchester United needed a spectacular goal from Diogo Dalot to defeat Sheffield United, highlighting some struggles in their attacking prowess.

Against Copenhagen, they managed to secure the win with a second-half header by Harry Maguire and a stoppage-time penalty save by Andre Onana.

This victory marks their third consecutive win in the 2023-24 campaign, although not all of these victories were dominant.

Despite some inconsistencies, Manchester United has climbed to eighth place in the Premier League table with 15 points.

However, they are still five points away from securing a Champions League position.

While only Southampton and Crystal Palace have managed to keep Manchester United from scoring in a Premier League home fixture since the start of the 2022-23 season, the Red Devils’ defense has yet to secure a clean sheet at Old Trafford this season, which could be advantageous for Erling Haaland and Manchester City.

Erling Haaland, ending a Champions League goal drought dating back to April, quickly found his form in the competition when Manchester City faced Young Boys.

Despite Young Boys’ resilience in the first half, Manuel Akanji’s goal early in the second half was quickly countered by Meschack Elia’s stunning lobbed effort.

Haaland scored from the penalty spot and completed his brace with a well-placed finish into the top corner.

Manchester City remains undefeated in European football this season.

They also managed to avoid a third successive Premier League defeat by defeating Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1.

Despite this, Manchester City’s statistics in keeping clean sheets have been concerning, as they have gone six games without one in all competitions.

Although Manchester United secured a 2-1 victory in their previous meeting in January, Manchester City got their revenge in the FA Cup final, making them part of English football’s exclusive treble club.

Manchester United Premier League form: L, L, W, L, W, W

Manchester United form (all competitions): W, L, L, W, W, W

Manchester City Premier League form: W, W, W, L, L, W

Manchester City form (all competitions): L, L, W, L, W, W

Team News:

Manchester United’s list of injured players is gradually getting shorter, but they still have some long-term absentees, including Lisandro Martinez (foot), Luke Shaw (muscle), Amad Diallo (knee), Tyrell Malacia (knee), and Jadon Sancho.

There is optimism that Casemiro will return, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka is close to recovery.

Most of the starters from the previous game are expected to play, with Sofyan Amrabat potentially partnering Casemiro or Scott McTominay in the derby.

On the other hand, Manchester City will miss Akanji due to suspension. However, John Stones will return to cover for him.

Kevin De Bruyne remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Several other players, including Josko Gvardiol, Kyle Walker, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, and Argentinian hotshot Alvarez, are expected to return to the lineup.

Possible Starting Lineups:

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

Prediction:

Despite their recent victories, Manchester United’s struggles in the final third could be their downfall against a strong Manchester City side.

The visitors are expected to secure both the bragging rights and three points in this eagerly anticipated derby.

• Our Prediction: Manchester United 0-2 Manchester City