Here is our Manchester City Predicted XI vs Man United as the two biggest clubs in Manchester prepare to face off in another heated derby at the Etihad Stadium.
The clash is set to be one of the most highly anticipated fixtures of the Premier League weekend, as both sides look to recover from underwhelming starts to the season.
Both teams have struggled to secure the results they need in the opening weeks of the campaign.
Manchester United have picked up only four points from their opening three matches, securing a narrow win against Burnley through a late penalty but failing to impress in their other outings.
On the other side of the city, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City began strongly with a victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in their first match of the season, but back-to-back defeats to Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton have raised questions about their early-season form.
Both teams know the importance of the derby and will be desperate to get their side back on Sunday.
Guardiola has already made it clear that only a victory will satisfy him and the supporters, as City cannot afford to fall further behind in the title race.
Manchester City Team News Ahead of the Derby
Pep Guardiola confirmed on Friday that Manchester City will be without several key players due to injuries.
Rayan Aït-Nouri, Rayan Cherki and Omar Marmoush will not play against Man United. Also Mateo Kovacic remains sidelined with a long-term injury and is still not ready to return.
John Stones, meanwhile, is considered a major doubt for the derby after picking up a knock during the international break.
Guardiola admitted that the defender will be assessed closer to kick-off, but his absence would be a significant blow to the defensive structure.
These setbacks mean Guardiola will need to adjust his lineup carefully, with some changes expected in both defense and attack.
Manchester City Predicted XI vs Man United
Despite the injuries, Guardiola is expected to field his strongest possible side against the Red Devils, knowing that the derby is not a match to experiment with.
One of the biggest talking points will be the possible debut of Gianluigi Donnarumma, who joined City from Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
The Italian shot-stopper could start ahead of James Trafford, bringing his Champions League-winning experience to the squad.
In defense, Rico Lewis is likely to come back into the XI after missing the previous game against Brighton.
Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake are expected to form the central partnership, with Josko Gvardiol operating at left-back following the absence of Aït-Nouri.
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The midfield trio should see Rodri return at the base, supported by Bernardo Silva and new signing Tijjani Reijnders, who has quickly settled into Guardiola’s system. Their control in midfield will be vital to preventing United from counter-attacking with pace.
Up front, Erling Haaland will once again lead the line, looking to add to his already impressive derby record.
He will be supported by Phil Foden, who is expected to start ahead of Oscar Bobb, and Jeremy Doku, who is set to replace the injured Marmoush.
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Manchester City Predicted XI vs Man United: Donnarumma; Lewis, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol; Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Reijnders; Foden, Haaland, Doku.
