Here we go then. Manchester derby day, the short trip to Old Trafford and a first taste of this fixture for Maresca as Manchester City boss.
City could hardly have made a better start under the Italian. Three Premier League games have brought three wins and Tuesday night’s 2-0 victory in Porto made it four from four in all competitions.
So far, so good. Now for United.
First Manchester derby for Maresca
This will be Maresca’s first Manchester derby as City boss and the 199th competitive meeting between the clubs.
Michael Carrick’s United have had a much less convincing opening to the season. They lost at Hull, beat Ipswich and then surrendered a late lead in a 2-2 draw at Everton before the international break.
Not that any of that guarantees City anything. United won this fixture 2-0 last season, and City have won only one of the past six meetings between the sides. Old Trafford hasn’t always been the happiest of places for them.
Haaland should at least arrive in good spirits. His two goals in Porto took him to four for the season, while United have conceded six in their opening three league games. Maresca also has Nico O’Reilly available again after his back problem, although Jérémy Doku remains sidelined with a calf injury.
Much of the pre-match noise has centred on Elliot Anderson describing City as the “kings of Manchester”. Maresca wasn’t interested in adding any more spice on Friday, instead urging his players to focus on themselves.
Probably wise.
Four wins have given Maresca just about the start he would have wanted. Winning number five at Old Trafford would be particularly sweet. Derby day. Bring it on.
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