Manchester City will look to snap out of their slump in form when they host rivals Manchester United in a huge derby at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, 15th December.
The vital Premier League match will be shown on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event at 4:30pm (UK time).
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Manchester City vs Manchester United predicted XIs
Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Walker, Dias, Simpson-Pusey, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Gundogan; Silva, De Bruyne, Foden; Haaland.
Manchester United (3-4-2-1): Onana; Yoro, De Ligt, Martinez; Diallo, Mainoo, Ugarte, Dalot; Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund.
Manchester City vs Manchester United team news
Ruben Amorim has almost a full United squad to select from now Jonny Evans has returned to training, with Luke Shaw the only absentee.
The Portuguese manager has to choose between youngster Leny Yoro and veteran Harry Maguire for one of his central defensive roles and is likely to stick with Amad Diallo after his impressive recent performances.
Alejandro Garnacho is another of Thursday’s Europa League substitutes who could start, with Rasmus Hojlund likely to get the nod up front having scored twice after coming off the bench in the come-from-behind win over Viktoria Plzen.
City manager Pep Guardiola has been forced into another defensive reshuffle due to the suspension of Rico Lewis.
Rodri (knee), Oscar Bobb (broken leg), and Nathan Ake (thigh) all remain sidelined and Guardiola confirmed on Friday that he will not have Manuel Akanji (pelvis) available either.
With John Stones (foot) unlikely to return that could mean a start for youngster Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, with left-back Josh Wilson-Esbrand another option.
Ederson started in goal against Juventus after Stefan Ortega had played the previous three games and may retain his place.
Mateo Kovacic has a chance to return in midfield and Phil Foden could also be back in the starting line-up.
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Guardiola demands more consistency
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says he is confident his team can turn around their poor run of results but that his players need to become more consistent and cut out mistakes.
“In our jobs, we will always do our best and when the best doesn’t happen you are more uncomfortable than when the situation is going well,” Guardiola told reporters in Friday’s press conference.
“But I am fine. I’m really pleased with the way we’ve played. I know from my career when we are playing good and not so good.
“We have to shoot more and cut out the mistakes. But we have been in the games.
“We have not been consistent for the 90 minutes but I know the reason why. We just have to keep working and moving forward.”
The Spanish manager admitted the injury to midfielder Rodri had been a key reason for his team’s struggles.
“Rodri is a Ballon d’Or player. We are playing without the best player in England last season. That is the problem,” he continued. “The moment he comes back, we will be strong again. We will be a good team.”
“Of course, we still have to try and play the same way and to win. Sooner or later we are going to be back,” said the City boss as his side prepare for the chance to win four successive home league games against United for the first time since the 1950s.