Manchester City will face, arguably, their toughest challenge yet when they take on fierce rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday evening.
Pep Guardiola’s men come into the game off the back of their first defeat of the season, which came in the Champions League against Shakhtar Donetsk. Jose Mourinho’s United side managed to finish top of their group after they defeated CSKA Moscow 2-1.
Despite losing on Wednesday, City are still on a winning run of 12 league games, which consolidates their eight-point lead over United. The hosts have lost two league games so far this season, with defeats away to Huddersfield and Chelsea. Tomorrow’s game will be crucial for either side to keep up their momentum during the winter months.
The last time these two sides faced each other was at the Etihad Stadium, with the score being 0-0. Marouane Fellaini was sent off in a game that City failed to take their chances, which was a common theme for the Citizens last season. At the same venue, both sides managed to get their own wins at Old Trafford in different competitions. City defeated their neighbours 2-1 in Pep Guardiola’s first Manchester derby in the Premier League, whilst Jose Mourinho managed to get his revenge by knocking out City in the EFL Cup.
Here is how we think Pep Guardiola will set out his team for the match.
GK - Ederson
Ederson will start in goal tomorrow.
RB - Kyle Walker
Walker will start at right-back, where he will be up against Anthony Martial.
CB - Nicolas Otamendi
Otamendi will return to the starting eleven to partner Vincent Kompany at the back.
CB - Vincent Kompany
The Belgian is set to return to the back four after missing the Shakhtar game.
LB - Fabian Delph
Delph will start at left-back as he looks to carry on his fantastic form.
CM - Fernandinho
The Brazilian will start in front of the defence as he looks to take on Nemanja Matic and Ander Herrera in the midfield battle.
CM - Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin will start in a deep midfield role as he looks to provide the cutting edge required to break through a resilient United side.
CAM - David Silva
With fears that he would miss the match, the Spaniard will be one of the players to watch in this all-important game.
LW - Leroy Sane
Leroy will start up against Antonio Valencia, which looks set to be an interesting battle down the left flank.
RW - Raheem Sterling
The Englishman has been a crucial figure in City’s recent wins against Huddersfield and Southampton, and this will be another opportunity to provide impact in a massive game.
ST - Sergio Aguero
Despite his recent inconsistencies in front of goal, this is Aguero’s chance to perform in a Manchester derby once again for City. He always seems to score against David De Gea, so that will be a good omen for the Citizens.