Both teams are entering this highly anticipated battle fresh off Champions League victories. Manchester United managed to defeat Copenhagen with a score of 1-0, while the reigning European champions, Manchester City, overcame BSC Young Boys with a 3-1 win.
This game is particularly emotional as it's Man United's first home match since the passing of the legendary Sir Bobby Charlton, a 1966 World Cup winner. Fans from both sides united in a touching pre-game tribute to honor his memory, and similar tributes are planned across the country this weekend.
In their recent Premier League game, Man United had to rely on a spectacular goal by Diogo Dalot to secure a win against Sheffield United. The attacking front of the team hasn't been very effective lately, so the defense has had to save the day on multiple occasions.
In their last Champions League match, Harry Maguire's header in the second half and a stoppage-time penalty save by Andre Onana helped Man United secure a win. Despite this, their recent victories have not been very convincing.
Despite the unconvincing wins, Man United has climbed up to the eighth position in the Premier League table with 15 points, but they are still five points away from the final Champions League position held by Liverpool.
Only Southampton and Crystal Palace have managed to keep Man United from scoring in a Premier League home match since the beginning of the 2022-23 season. However, Man United's defense has not kept a clean sheet in the Premier League at Old Trafford this season, which could be good news for players like Erling Haaland.
Erling Haaland ended a goal drought in the Champions League with a strong performance against Young Boys, scoring two goals for Manchester City. The team remains undefeated in European competitions this season.
Pep Guardiola's Manchester City also recently avoided a third consecutive Premier League defeat by defeating Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1. They are closely following the league leaders, Tottenham Hotspur.
However, the statistics are not in favor of Manchester City, as they have gone six games without a clean sheet in all competitions and are at risk of suffering three consecutive Premier League defeats for the first time during Guardiola's era.
Although Manchester United won this fixture 2-1 back in January, Manchester City managed to get their revenge in the FA Cup final. They have both been part of English football's exclusive treble club, which adds more excitement to this derby match.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
The injury list at Manchester United is gradually getting shorter, but there are still a few long-term absentees that Erik ten Hag has to contend with. These include Lisandro Martinez (foot), Luke Shaw (muscle), Amad Diallo (knee), and Tyrell Malacia (knee). Furthermore, it seems that Jadon Sancho's absence from the squad is going to continue for a while.On a brighter note, there is hope that Casemiro will return to the midfield after recovering from an injury sustained while on international duty with Brazil. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is also on the brink of returning from a thigh problem, although he may only make the bench at best.
Most of the players who started on Tuesday evening are expected to feature in the upcoming match. However, Sofyan Amrabat only played for 45 minutes before being substituted for Christian Eriksen, who has made a strong case to start alongside Casemiro or Scott McTominay in the derby.
For Manchester City, Akanji, who had recently returned to Swiss soil with a goal, is set to miss the derby due to suspension. He received two yellow cards in the match against Brighton. Despite his absence, the return of John Stones should help cover the gap in the center-back position.
Kevin De Bruyne is the only other notable absentee for the champions, sidelined once again due to a hamstring injury.
In terms of City's lineup, the expected return of Stones is accompanied by the potential comebacks of Josko Gvardiol, Kyle Walker, Bernardo Silva, and Phil Foden to the starting lineup. Additionally, Argentinian striker Alvarez, who had a goal ruled out at Stadion Wankdorf, is also in line to feature.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Manchester United possible starting lineup:Onana; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Reguilon; Casemiro, Eriksen; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund
Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol; Rodri, Silva; Doku, Alvarez, Foden; Haaland
EXPERT PREDICTION
Manchester United 1-3 Manchester City
While Manchester City hasn't been flawless in defense this season, it's difficult to see the home team's struggling attack posing a significant threat to Guardiola's side, even with the passionate support of their fans at Old Trafford. Manchester City is expected to secure both bragging rights and three points in the weekend's marquee match.
