Predicted Manchester United line-up to face Man City in the Premier League
Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho resume rivalries on Sunday as Manchester City host Manchester United at the Etihad in the Premier League.
Manchester United have enjoyed a recent upturn of fortunes, which includes a fantastic 2-1 win at Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Jose Mourinho’s side will be high on confidence after a stunning result away to Juventus and will look to break the unbeaten Premier League run of Manchester City, who are top of the table and two points clear of Chelsea in second.
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Romelu Lukaku didn’t travel with the United squad to Turin and is a major doubt for the Manchester derby. But Marouane Fellaini and Antonio Valencia did after shaking off knocks.
Diogo Dalot, meanwhile, is close to returning to full fitness since being injured on second international break.
Probable Manchester United XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Jose Mourinho
David De Gea (GK)
De Gea is United’s no.1 in goal and should start in the Manchester derby at the weekend.
Ashley Young (RB)
Young has been outstanding in the last few games for United and deserves to keep his place in the team.
Chris Smalling (CB)
United’s most senior defender, Smalling will have to be at his best to keep City’s attackers at bay.
Victor Lindelof (CB)
Lindelof’s performances in the centre of United’s defence have improved so much over the past three or four games. The Swede appears to have finally settled in at the club.
Luke Shaw (LB)
Shaw has been impressive ever since the new season started. He is a certain starter at left-back.
Nemanja Matic (CDM)
Matic has been subpar so far this season, lacking the energy and ability to calm things down. However, he should start against Manchester City.
Paul Pogba (LCM)
Memories of last season come alive when Pogba single-handedly delayed City’s title triumph at Etihad by helping United with a comeback victory. Should be aiming to work wonders in this one as well.
Ander Herrera (RCM)
Herrera brings a lot of energy to United’s midfield. A leader on and off the pitch, the Spaniard could start at the Etihad.
Anthony Martial (LW)
United’s most in-form player at the moment; Martial is oozing with confidence and he must deliver the goods against the Red Devils’ arch-nemesis on Sunday.
Jesse Lingard (RW)
Lingard works tirelessly for his team, picks up intelligent positions and brings a lot of pace to the side.
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Alexis Sanchez (ST)
With Lukaku a major doubt, Sanchez could get another start in the no.9 role. The Chilean has been sharp in the last two games he has played and must help United beat City on Sunday.
