Man City vs Man Utd preview, predictions & possible XIs
With both Manchester sides picking up crucial midweek victories, they now go head-to-head at the Etihad in what promises to be a thrilling derby.
City ensured the gap between themselves and Liverpool didn’t get any larger with a convincing 4-1 win at Burnley on Tuesday, while United got one over on former manager Jose Mourinho by beating Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 at Old Trafford the following day.
Will Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men hurt their neighbours’ title challenge? Or can the hosts continue a recent trend of domination in Manchester?
Read on for our preview, predictions, team news, possible line-ups and more.
When is Man City vs Man Utd and where can I watch live?
Competition: Premier League
Venue: Etihad Stadium
Date: Saturday, 7 December 2019
Kick-off: 5:30 PM (UK time)
TV coverage (UK): Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League
Last five meetings: Man City vs Man Utd
24 April 2019: Man Utd 0-2 Man City (Premier League)
11 November 2018: Man City 3-1 Man Utd (Premier League)
7 April 2018: Man City 2-3 Man Utd (Premier League)
10 December 2017: Man Utd 1-2 Man City (Premier League)
27 April 2017: Man City 0-0 Man Utd (Premier League)
Aggregate Score: Man City (WWLWD) 9-5 Man Utd (LLWLD)
Ones to watch
Man City: Rodri
Rodri put in a masterclass performance against Burnley, dictating the tempo in midfield and capping it off with an absolute thunderbolt of a goal. The Spaniard has settled quickly in the Premier League and looks to have become a guaranteed starter in Pep Guardiola’s line-up. It will be interesting to see how he copes with the pressure of a derby.
Key stat: Rodri has made at least 88 more successful passes (821) than any other Manchester City player in the Premier League this season.
Man Utd: Marcus Rashford
Rashford has been in scintillating form of late, scoring six goals in his last seven Premier League appearances. He was particularly good against Spurs, finding the net twice and causing havoc by cutting in from the left and getting shots away. Kyle Walker will have to be constantly alert or Rashford could end up hurting City.
Key stat: Rashford has registered 20 shots on target in the Premier League this term, more than any other United or City player.
Team news
Man City
Ilkay Gundogan could return after serving a suspension against Burnley, though the midfield three of Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva flourished in midweek. Sergio Aguero is still out through injury, while Aymeric Laporte and Leroy Sane remain long-term absentees.
Predicted XI: Ederson; Walker, Otamendi, Fernandinho, Mendy; De Bruyne, Rodri, D Silva; B Silva, Jesus, Sterling.
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Man Utd
Anthony Martial, Paul Pogba, Eric Bailly, Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Marcos Rojo and Diogo Dalot are all out with injuries. Nemanja Matic, who hasn’t played for two months, could return to the squad. Solskjaer may prefer an additional midfielder, so we might see Andreas Pereira come in for Mason Greenwood.
Predicted XI: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Young; Pereira, McTominay, Fred, James; Lingard, Rashford.
Squawka prediction
Despite their midweek confidence boost coupled with Rashford’s fine form, United are going to find it difficult to leave the Etihad with anything this weekend. City were back to their best against Burnley and there’s a good chance they will carry that momentum into the derby, winning by at least two goals.
Scoreline prediction: Man City 3-1 Man Utd
