Both David Moyes and Manuel Pellegrini have had a normal start to the Premier League campaign with their new clubs. Both the Managers have picked up 7 points from the 4 games they have played and stand at 7th and 8th in the table. This will be the first ever Manchester derby the managers will face, and it will be interesting to see what is their approach to the game.
Man City host the game at the Etihad in the season’s first Manchester derby and it would be the first time since 1986 that Sir Alex Ferguson won’t be sitting in the dugout to shout instructions to his players. Coming into the match, City coach Pellegrini talked about the importance of a win in the derby.
“I don’t need to be here to know how big this derby is,” Pellegrini said. “Playing against Man United at home we must win, it’s more important to win than to not lose.”
And City will be boosted by the return of their injured captain Vincent Kompany who makes his return after his groin injury that he suffered during the season’s first game against Newcastle.
As far as the team news in concerned, both the teams will have players returning to the squad. City will see David Silva David who is recovering from a thigh injury will be in contention to start the game. And if the defence, Micah Richards will be fit for the first time this season while Clichy is tagged as a doubt after his thigh injury.
For United, Danny Welbeck is available and defenders Phil Jones and Rafael are doubtfuls with an ankle and hamstring injuries respectively.
Here is how United’s starting XI may look like:
And a possible Man City starting XI:
