Manchester City vs Manchester United predicted XIs: Confirmed team news and probable lineups

There is no doubting the standout fixture in the Premier League this weekend, as title-chasing Manchester City welcome near neighbours Manchester United to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
In-form City are in the midst of a three-way battle for the title with Liverpool and Arsenal and they will head into this game unbeaten in 18 matches across all competitions, with 16 of those ending in victory.
United’s form has also improved as they look to bridge the gap between themselves and the top four. But although they have won six of their previous seven across league and cup, last weekend’s disappointing home loss to Fulham remains fresh in the memory.
Man City begin season-defining run
For Manchester City, Sunday’s Manchester derby is the start of a run of fixtures which will make or break their quest to complete a historic back-to-back treble. Following the clash against United, City host FC Copenhagen to secure their place in the Champions League quarter-finals before travelling to title rivals Liverpool. Then, it’s an FA Cup quarter-final meeting with Newcastle United, followed by another Premier League title six-pointer, this time against Arsenal.
You could forgive Pep Guardiola for feeling a little daunted, but this is a manager who has set new standards since arriving in England. Instead, he’s relishing the opportunity for his side to once again prove their credentials.
“How nice,” Guardiola told reporters of the run of fixtures. “I prefer that than the opposite. We are a team and the key players are everyone. Everyone is so important and it is so nice to have this fixture against United, to have the chance to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Champions League, then we have Anfield and then before the international break we have the chance against Newcastle – this is the fourth time we have played this season – to reach the semi-final of the FA Cup. We have worked so far since we arrived here to live these kind of moments.”
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Manchester City vs Manchester United team news
City will be without winger Jack Grealish for this one, with the England star expected to be sidelined until after the international break due to the groin injury he aggravated in the midweek FA Cup success over Luton.
Defender Josko Gvardiol is the Citizens’ only other fitness concern, although he could feature as he bids to shake off a recent ankle issue.
For United, the injury concerns are a lot more extensive, with Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, Anthony Martial, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund all still sidelined.
The absence of Shaw and Malacia means Sofyan Amrabat could again start at left-back, as he did during his side’s midweek cup win at Nottingham Forest.
Manchester City vs Manchester United predicted line-ups
Manchester City (4-3-3): Ederson; Walker, Dias, Stones, Ake; Silva, Rodri, De Bruyne; Doku, Haaland, Foden.
Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Onana; Dalot, Varane, Lindelof, Amrabat; Casemiro, Mainoo; Antony, Fernandes, Garnacho; Rashford.