Manchester City vs Manchester United Preview – Prediction, how to watch & potential line-ups

Manchester United will return to action this weekend after the international break as they lock horns with Manchester City in the Premier League. 

Erik ten Hag made an inauspicious start to his Old Trafford reign, losing the opening two matches against Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford. 

However, he soon managed to make a turnaround as the Red Devils went on a four-match winning run to climb to fifth in the league standings. 

United will enter the Manchester derby on the back of a 2-0 victory over Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League earlier this month. 

Jadon Sancho scored the opener before Cristiano Ronaldo bagged his first goal of the season to register a comfortable victory at the Zimbru Stadium. 

Manchester City, on the other hand, haven’t been impeccable themselves this season as they have dropped points at Aston Villa and Newcastle United. However, they have been very dominating in the matches they have won so far.   

Pep Guardiola’s side were last in action at Wolverhampton Wanderers where they struck two goals in the first 20 minutes of the match. 

The Citizens eased past their rivals 3-0, with Erling Haaland continuing his spectacular form to score his 13th goal of the season at the Molineux Stadium.

Match Preview  

Manchester City

Manchester City are firm favourites to defend their league title this season. They have yet to suffer a defeat in the English top-flight and are currently a point behind Arsenal in the table. 

The Citizens easily prevailed over their bitter rivals in the two Premier League meetings last season. However, the Red Devils are unlikely to be such easy opponents this Sunday.

Manchester United

Erik ten Hag led his side to victory against both Liverpool and Arsenal this campaign but now another Big Six team awaits him in the form of Manchester City. The Dutch boss will be looking to become the first United manager since Sir Alex Ferguson to win his first Manchester derby. 

However, that will be easier said than done as City are currently the best team in the Premier League, having world-class players in all departments. 

Team News

City boss Pep Guardiola will be hoping to have Aymeric Laporte back in the team who missed the initial weeks of the season with a knee injury. However, the defender will likely be featured off the bench given his lengthy layoff. 

On the other hand, United will have to deal with several injuries this weekend, with Martin Dubravka, Facundo Pellistri, Donny van de Beek, Brandon Williams and Aaron Wan-Bissaka all on the treatment table. 

Marcus Rashford’s availability is also doubtful due to a thigh injury, and if he misses the derby, then we could see Cristiano Ronaldo or Anthony Elanga in action at the Etihad.

Manchester City vs Manchester United Potential line-ups

Manchester City: Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Dias, Cancelo; Silva, Rodri, De Bruyne; Foden, Haaland, Grealish

Manchester United: De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Malacia; Casemiro, Eriksen; Antony, Fernandes, Sancho; Rashford

How to Watch?

Manchester City vs Manchester United, alongside all other Premier League matches this season, is available to watch online via live soccer streams.

Manchester City vs Manchester United Prediction

Manchester United have been impressive in the Premier League recently but their Europa League performances were far from convincing. With a player like Erling Haaland leading their attack, City are sure to create great difficulties for the visitors’ defence. 

It is unlikely to be a completely one-sided match but we expect the Citizens to claim full points at the Etihad Stadium. 

Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United