The Manchester Derby is upon us and the iconic fixture marks Remembrance Sunday.
Experiencing an upturn in fortune, José Mourinho looks a happy man following a Turin turnaround – but his relentless nemesis Pep Guardiola is ultimately dominating in the division once again.
Pragmatism visits possession; blue welcomes red; City host United prior to the international break.
Kick-off: 16:30 [GMT]
Venue: Etihad Stadium
Referee: Anthony Taylor
The Citizens
Position: 1st
Form: WWWWW
Top scorer: Sergio Agüero [7]
Most assists: Benjamin Mendy [5]
One to watch: Raheem Sterling
Injuries/suspensions (estimated return)
- Claudio Bravo; Achilles’ tendon (four months)
- Kevin De Bruyne; knee ligament (six weeks)
Expected lineup
(4-1-4-1) Ederson; Walker, Stones, Laporte, Mendy; Fernandinho; Mahrez, B. Silva, D. Silva, Sterling; Agüero.
Key quote
“[It’s historically been] difficult for City to beat United. United have won more of the games. We know what we have to do. On Saturday, we will speak with players and suggest to them what to do to win the game.” – Pep Guardiola
Next match: West Ham United (24/11/18)
The Red Devils
Talking points
As the international break looms, this match signals the end of what could have been a nightmare run – with two wins, one draw and one defeat thus far.
Inflicting a first loss of the campaign for Juventus in midweek, the quality in previously struggling players such as Victor Lindelöf & Anthony Martial is beginning to shine through.
Squad morale should be high with two added-time winners in the last eight days but it is undeniable that City will be eager to claim victory due to the shock result last season that spoiled their title party.
Paul Pogba missed training on Friday with a “small injury” which means he is doubtful for the match.
Injuries/suspensions (estimated return)
- Diogo Dalot – knock (unknown)
- Romelu Lukaku – muscle (late fitness test)
- Paul Pogba – injury (unknown)
- Antonio Valencia – mouth (back in training)
Expected lineup
(4-3-3) De Gea; Young, Smalling, Lindelöf, Shaw; Herrera, Matić, Pogba; Lingard, Sánchez, Martial.
Key quote
“It’s easy to feel that we’re a team that never gives up. We have that collective spirit to fight back, but it’s not always positive. If we keep conceding goals first the day will arrive where we can’t come back.” – José Mourinho
Next match: Crystal Palace [H] 24/11/18
Potential key battles
– Agüero vs Lindelöf
– Fernandinho vs Pogba
– Walker vs Martial
Match facts [credit: FotMob]
- City have won just two of their last eight matches against United in all competitions (D2 L4) since winning four in a row between 2013 and 2014
- United are looking to win back to back Premier League games at away from home versus City for just the second time
- City have been responsible for all three occasions in which a team has scored 24 or more goals after six home games
- United have conceded 18 goals in their 11 Premier League games this season (it took them 25 games until January 31 to concede as many in the competition last season)
Enjoy the match!
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