Manchester City Vs Manchester United: The Etihad will be on fire on Sunday, October 2, 2022, as Manchester City welcomes Manchester United to the 188th Manchester derby.
A lot is at stake for both sides as Erik Ten Hag gets ready to further convince Manchester United fans of his messianic mission at Old Trafford after humbling rivals Liverpool and ending Mikel Arteta’s unbeaten run.
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Pep Guardiola, yet unbeaten in the season, will look to consolidate their attempt to defend the title they won last season as they battle to unseat Arsenal from the top spot.
Although bookmakers will tip the Blue side of Manchester to carry the day over the Red side of Manchester, it will be a grave error by Guardiola to underestimate the capacity of the re-engineered Manchester United team under Erik Ten Hag.
The two teams have met 188 times, with Manchester United winning 77 times and Manchester City winning 57 times, and the spoils were shared 53 times.
Both teams first met in 1891 in FA Cup qualifying round. At that time, Manchester United was known by the name Newton Heath, while Manchester City went by the name Ardwick AFC. Newton Heath humbled Ardwick AFC 5-1.
Over the centuries, a lot has changed between the two teams, a similar scoreline in favor of Manchester United is the most unlikely of results come Sunday, 2nd October 2022.
It was a big win for Pep Guardiola in the last meeting between both teams. Manchester City ran out with an emphatic and deserved 4-1, as they chased their 5th Premier League title under Pep Guardiola.
Belgium playmaker Kevin De Bruyne’s brace and Ryad Mahrez’s thunderbolt made the difference. Jadon Sancho scored Manchester United’s only goal.
Before the international break, Manchester City cruised easily to a 3-0 victory in their last Premier League match. Beleaguered England international of Irish descent scored the opening goal before the deadly Norwegian ace doubled the lead a few minutes later.
Phil Foden completed the rout in the second as Pep Guardiola temporarily usurped the top spot from Arsenal.
Manchester United’s last Premier League game before the international break was against the unruffled and surprising win over Arsenal at Old Trafford.
It was a big one for Erik Ten Hag as Mikel Arteta’s unsullied Premier League run was finally brought to an end in style by a less-fancied Manchester United, who struggled to find their balance in the first two Premier League games.
A goal by a new signing from Ajax, Antony, and a brace from Marcus Rashford was enough to do the magic as the Red Devils ran out with an emphatic 3-1 win.
Manchester United is at the 6th position with 12 after 6 matches. They have recorded 4 wins, and 2 draws with a goal difference of 0. Manchester City are second on the table with 17 points from 7 matches. They have recorded 5 wins, and two draws with a goal difference of 17.
Manchester City Vs Manchester United: Team News
Coach Pep Guardiola will parade his best starting IX for the derby, but a key member may likely miss from the squad – John Stones.
Stones sustained an hamstring injury in England’s final group game against Germany in the UEFA Nations League matches played during the international break.
Kalvin Philips is also a dour for the game as he continues to battle for full recovery from shoulder surgery.
Nevertheless, there is good news for Manchester City as Laporte has been spotted in training after undergoing knee surgery. The center-back may likely make Pep Guardiola’s squad, although featuring in the derby may be too soon.
Despite Akanji’s impressive form since arriving from Borussia Dortmund, it is more likely that Guardiola will pick Nathan Ake to partner with Ruben Diaz. Also, Kyle Walker, who missed Wolves game, is fully fit and set to return.
Phil Foden may likely start, given his impressive form this season. Kevin De Bruyne is also expected to marshal the midfielder, but Gundogan, Rodri, Bernado Silva, and Grealish will have to fight for a place in the starting IX as Guardiola makes his midfield choices.
Erling Haaland, who has 11 goals already and has been anticipating the derby will lead the Manchester City attack.
Cristiano Ronaldo will be available for the derby. Although he has been charged by FA for the assault on Everton fan Jacob Harding last year, he may likely start from the bench.
Dubravaka and Harry Maguire are a doubt for the game after sustaining injuries during the international break.
Scott McTominay has returned to training after he was suspended from the Scotlands Nations League game against Ukraine.
Rashford and Anthony Martial are still injured and will not make Ten Hag’s squad.
David de Gea is expected to be on goal, while the defense line, will have the likes of Dalot, Martinez, and Malacia, and Varane. Manchester United Fans Player of the Month of September, Christian Eriksen is also expected to start, including Bruno Fernandes, Jadon Sancho, and Antony.
Manchester City Predicted Starting XI Ederson; Walker, Ake, Dias, Cancelo; Rodri, De Bruyne Gundogan; Silva, Foden, Haaland
Manchester United Predicted Starting XI De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Malacia; Eriksen, McTominay; Antony, Fernandes, Sancho; Ronaldo.
Manchester City Vs Manchester United: Prediction
Erik Ten Hag rebuilt Manchester United squad may prove a tough nut to crack at the Etihad on Sunday, but getting all three points against Manchester City is an unlikely outcome. Manchester City are expected to continue with their unbeaten run. They will likely edged pass the Red Devils with a 2-0 victory.
