Let’s look at the team news as Man United will be hosted by their city rivals Man City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon this weekend. The Red Devils come into the game with a 1-0 win against Nottingham in the FA Cup while the Cityzens are unbeaten since their last defeat at Aston Villa in December.

The two teams have shared a great rivalry for decades and this clash on Sunday will be nothing different. Out of all head-to-head fights between the two, Man United have won 78 times, Man City 60 times, and 53 times they have played out a draw.

Erik ten Hag’s side managed to pick up a win against Nottingham Forest in the dying minutes, all thanks to Casemiro’s 89th-minute goal. The win was very crucial for the Red Devils as they had suffered 1-2 loss against Fulham last weekend. The win over Forest offers a sense of relaxation for the whole squad and of course, eases the pressure on the United boss.

On the other hand, the Cityzens have been on a rampage since the comeback of Kevin De Bruyne. In the last match against Luton Town, Pep Guardiola’s side registered a huge 6-2 win, with five goals from Erling Haaland. The current treble winners are in great form right now whether in attack or defence.

City currently stand second with 59 points in 26 games, just 4 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool who have played an extra game. So, on Sunday, Guardiola’s men will give their all to dominate the Red Devils and register a win, to reduce the gap with Liverpool.

Injury/Suspension List:

Man United have been dealing with major injury issues all throughout the campaign. Harry Maguire was out of the team against Forest as he sustained a knock against Fulham last weekend, but there is a chance for him to be back for the Manchester derby. The key focal point of United’s attack, Rasmus Hojlund is sidelined with a muscular problem.

There also remains a doubt regarding United Captain Bruno Fernandes’ availability. The Portuguese played the full 90 minutes against Forest with an injury, due to which he was limping after the match. So, his feature will be before the game on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Man City are dealing with the calf injury of Jack Grealish. After missing three games, he started against Luton Town, but had to be taken off before the end of the first half due to the same injury issue. So, there is very little chance that the Englishman will play on Sunday.

Also, defender Josko Gvardiol is dealing with an ankle ligament injury due to which he has missed the last six games. However, prior to the mid-week win against Luton City, City boss Pep Guardiola said the Croatian ‘is on the verge of coming back’.

Player To Watch Out For – Erling Haaland

The Norwegian monster is currently the most prolific striker in European football. The Premier League top goal-scorer of last season has already scored 17 goals in 21 appearances in the 2023/24 season. Against Luton, he alone scored five goals. So, there is no doubt that he is in perfect condition going into the derby on Sunday.

Manchester United Form:

W-W-W-L-W

Manchester City Form:

W-D-W-W-W

Manchester United Predicted Line-up (4-2-3-1):

Andre Onana; Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, Sofyan Amrabat; Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo; Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Antony; Marcus Rashford.

Read More:

• Casemiro’s Late Header Secures FA Cup Win | Three Takeaways From the Nottingham vs Man United Game
• Manchester United Seriously Interested in Signing Lille Defender Leny Yoro
• PSG Preparing For a New Rebuild With Strong Interest on Marcus Rashford: is it Time For a Move?

Predicted Score: 

Man City 3-1 Man United

Considering previous match results, form, current squads, and injuries for both teams, there is a high chance that Man City will triumph over Man United on Sunday. Pep Guardiola’s side have the advantage of the home ground and a great squad, especially the duo of De Bruyne and Haaland.

With Erik ten Hag’s side, the major issue is the injury to numerous key first-team players. On top of Hojlund’s injury which has created another big problem for the Dutchman to deal with, Maguire and Fernandes’ absence will be a nail in the coffin on Sunday.

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