Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has a couple of selection dilemmas ahead of his first Manchester derby in charge, according to to Jamie Jackson of the Guardian.
Argentine defender Nicolas Otamendi is not scheduled to arrive back from international duty until late on Thursday following a World Cup Qualifier against Venezuela, which could mean the derby comes too soon for him to recover in time.
Vincent Kompany is nearing a return having been out of action since suffering a thigh injury in the opening minutes of the disappointing Champions League semi-final second leg defeat to Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.
The skipper could make his first appearance of the season in the derby, but Aleksandar Kolarov may get the nod alongside John Stones after impressing in central defence so far this season.
Sergio Aguero’s absence means Pep Guardiola could thrust Ilkay Gundogan into the side for the high-profile fixture – with Nolito or Raheem Sterling potentially moving into the striking role and leaving Fernandinho, Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva and Gundogan in midfield.
The German midfielder was out with a knee injury when he signed for City in July, but is ahead of schedule and in contention for the eagerly anticipated clash at Old Trafford.
However, after winning every game this season with a midfield of Fernandinho, De Bruyne and Silva, Guardiola may not want to risk changing a winning formula for his biggest City test so far.
