It’s the Manchester Derby and the stakes have always been high when these two teams have met in recent years. Ever since Manchester City announced themselves as one of the English powerhouses, the context of the game has changed massively and the importance has increased.
For long, Manchester City have been in Manchester United’s shadow but now City seem to be taking some real shape to establish themselves as one of the biggest in Europe.
This time too, the stakes are high for the Manchester Derby as the result would go a long way in determining which teams would finish 3rd and 4th in the league table. Liverpool’s and Arsenal’s fate depend on the outcome of this as both the teams would benefit from defeats to either of the teams.
The game represents a great chance for Manchester United to break into the top-4 and City have a good chance to hold on to their place in the top-4. With both the teams having 2 games in hand on 3rd placed Liverpool, a win would represent massive value and they will be determined to come out of the tie with a win.
While Manchester City come into the game on the back of a disappointing 2-1 defeat at the hands of Arsenal in the semifinals of the FA Cup, Manchester United enter the game with their head held high as they only became the 3rd team this season to grab 3 points at Turf Moor.
Jose Mourinho freshened things up against Burnley and rested several of his stars for that game. However, with this game being important in all aspects, and with Swansea game coming this weekend, he would surely rotate the squad as much as possible.
It is a huge blow for Pep Guardiola as both Sergio Aguero and David Silva are doubtful for the clash. It remains to be seen if Gabriel Jesus, Bacary Sagna and John Stones are included in the squad. The sure absentee is Ilkay Gundogan, who has been ruled out for the season.
While City only have players who are doubtful for the clash, United have players ruled out for the game as they will be without Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Juan Mata, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling. Paul Pogba was withdrawn late in the game against Burnley and is a doubt. The good news is that Antonio Valencia might be ready to start the game after missing out on the Burnley clash.
Manchester City – Caballero; Navas, Kompany, Otamendi, Kolarov; Toure, Fernandinho; Sterling, De Bruyne, Sane; Iheanacho.
Manchester United – De Gea; Valencia, Bailly, Blind, Shaw; Fellaini, Carrick; Mkhitaryan, Rooney, Martial; Rashford.
Source: FourFourTwo
The last time the two teams met, Manchester City came out as 2-1 winners but this time, things could be different as Manchester United are on a great run and haven’t lost a premier league game since October.
Manchester City will be eager to bounce back after their defeat at the hands of Arsenal in the semifinals of the FA Cup while United come into the game fresh from a victory over Burnley. We predict a tough contest, considering the way both the teams have been playing in recent times.
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