Manchester United will play host to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City at Old Trafford as both sides meets in the Premier League on Sunday. A win for United will make it three wins in a row over Manchester City this season alone. The Red Devils have claimed two wins over the English Champions at the Etihad Stadium.
This could see Solskjaer’s men go into the weekend’s showdown on a nine-match unbeaten streak in all competitions with hopes for Champions League football next season.
All the same the Red Devils have lost their last three home games against Manchester City. They could suffer consecutive derby defeats at Old Trafford for the first time in their history since 1981.
Here ManUnitedcore.com predicts how Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side could line-up in the contest.
Out; Paul Pogba (ankle), Marcus Rashford (back), Lee Grant (unspecified).
Doubtful; Harry Maguire (ankle), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (back), Daniel James (knock), Timothy Fosu-Mensah (fitness).
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his side have got couple of injury hanging over some of his key players. This is notably for Club captain Harry Maguire. The former Leicester City defender was absent in the FA Cup meeting in midweek following the 0-3 away win at Derby County.
He’s suffered an ankle injury in training, but the Norwegian boss is optimistic he could make a return ahead of this fixture. This is the same scenario for Daniel James and right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, the both of whom will undergo late fitness test but should available at least per say.
If passed fit, all the three of those doubts could start against Manchester City with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire a close call while Daniel James’s attacking speed could be an advantage for Solskjaer’s side in a match in which they are likely to be dominated in terms of possession as City always do in game.
Odion Ighalo who scored a brace in the FA Cup win on Thursday could earn a first Premier League start for the Red Devils leading the lines, which necessitate Anthony Martial back out wide in reference to Marcus Rashford’s absence.
The Manchester Derby may be too early for French star Paul Pogba, as the midfielder is due to return to training next week along with his United teammates.
However, with the form of Bruno Fernandes since his winter move to the theatre of Dreams the anticipation may have lowered for Paul Pogba’s imminent return to the United side at a certain level.
Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea is one player expected to be back in the side as he looks to make amends following his howler that led to a 1-1 draw with Everton.
No player has made more mistakes leading to a direct goal in the English top flight since the start of the season. But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has assured the Spanish shot stopper that he’s still the first choice goalkeeper at the club.
Manchester United vs. Manchester City; How Manchester United could,line-up against Pep Guardiola’s side in a 4-2-3-1 Formation.
David De Gea; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw; Fred,Nemanja Matic; Daniel James, Bruno Fernandes, Anthony Martial;Odion Ighalo.
