As Manchester United travel to face arch-rival Manchester City a lot will be expected on the pitch. This will see the best from the Manchester clubs as battle ensues at the Etihad Stadium.
The Red Devils have a daunting task ahead of them as they lost 1-3 at Old Trafford some weeks back.
This may be tougher for the United side as Pep Guardiola’s side come into the game with an upper hand, and also knowing that their visitors are bereft of the services of forward Marcus Rashford due to injury.
The United hit man will be out of this clash after scoring in the first leg to give his Red Devils side some glimpse of hope ahead of this return fixture.
With the key game at hand between these Manchester sides, we evaluate the key (3) battles worthy of note ahead of the game.
Sergio Aguero vs. Harry Maguire
During the time when Harry played for Leicester City.
The Argentine superstar have been in superlative form as we saw him score a hat-trick against Aston Villa in the 1-6 away win at Villa Park.
This makes him a threat to the Red Devils as Harry Maguire stands in wait to prevent him in the game.
Maguire’s defensive instinct would be in vogue more as Aguero`s forward run into the attacking position will spice up the contest with a possible outcome as both EPL star face-off with each other on the pitch.
Kevin de-Bruyne vs. Nemanja Matic
Manchester United and Manchester City will need the intelligence and match (tactical) resolve of these two player to prevail on the pitch on Wednesday.
Manchester United’s Matic must utilize his strength to win the aerial duel while reading the game in aplomb to set United’s midfield move in transition.
De Bruyne`s eye for goal (long range strikes) must be handled by the Serbian International much as mental alertness is very crucial in this area for both players during the 90 minutes.
Fernandinho vs. Anthony Martial
This is the battle between youth and experience as is suggested by the two players.
Martial’s must play with pace while having the tactical recognition of where the passes will be laid for him as Fernandinho have got the smartness and (Brazilian) intelligence to spot through ball from entering City danger area.
How fast this is done by Martial and co can give United an advantage in the final third as age begin to tell on the Brazilian despite his good showings already in the season.
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