It’s derby day!
It’s derby day! One of the season’s most anticipated fixtures, with both teams desperate for momentum and bragging rights in the city. United go into this lunchtime kick-off under new interim boss Michael Carrick, who steps into the Old Trafford dugout hoping to lift a team that has struggled for consistency. Any danger of a new manager bounce for once?
Despite United sitting seventh and only picking up one win in their last six Premier League outings, Carrick has been upbeat this week, insisting his squad are ready for the challenge after preparing well and building energy in training. He noted that players have “put the work in this week and we feel we’re ready,” while stressing his desire to enjoy the occasion and reward supporters with a strong performance.
City arrive in decent overall form but slightly wobbly domestically, having drawn their last three league matches and now trailing Arsenal by six points in the title race. Nevertheless, Pep Guardiola spoke cautiously about United’s unpredictability under their new coach, emphasising that with limited information on Carrick’s tactics, City must focus on their game first and foremost. Guardiola also addressed his defensive injury crisis, confirming that key defenders Ruben Dias, Joško Gvardiol and John Stones are among those sidelined, making City’s backline makeshift for today’s derby.
Both sides have notable absences and returns affecting expected selections. United are without Matthijs de Ligt and Shea Lacey, while Noussair Mazraoui remains at the Africa Cup of Nations. However, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo returned from AFCON duty and are available to start, adding creative threat to United’s attack.
Predicted line-ups reflect these team news issues. United are expected to field a 4-2-3-1 with Lammens in goal, Shaw, Maguire, Martinez and Dalot across defence, a midfield base of Casemiro and Mainoo, and an attacking line featuring Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Cunha and Sesko. City’s likely 4-1-4-1 formation could see Donnarumma in goal, a defence of Nunes, Khusanov, Alleyne and O’Reilly, with Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Cherki, Semenyo and Erling Haaland spearheading the attack.
Recent meetings between these rivals have largely favoured City. In the reverse fixture earlier this season, City won 3-0 and have often kept United at bay in recent derbies, with United failing to score in four of our last five Premier League home derbies against City, a sequence not seen since the early 20th century.
United’s form has been mixed, with several draws and a cup exit compounding pressure on Carrick, while City remain unbeaten in their last 13 matches across competitions despite dropping points in the league. How United respond to the derby occasion, and how City handle their defensive challenges, will be key themes today.
Come on United!
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