The first Manchester derby of this season will be played on Saturday as Manchester United host Manchester City. The contest will be a tough one to play for both sides as they look to stamp their name in the top two positions in the points table.
Both the teams have been going through a different phase. Manchester United drew against Atalanta in the Champions League group stage match whereas, Manchester City comfortably defeated Club Brugge by a 4-1 scoreline.
In the Premier League, Manchester United put in a very dominant performance against Tottenham as they won by three goals. Manchester City was defeated by Crystal Palace by a 2-0 scoreline which also ended their eight-match unbeaten streak.
Man United is currently placed at the fifth spot in the league table whereas Manchester City is well seated at the second spot. Solskjaer will be motivating his players to win this contest as they are three points behind the former Champions.
Manchester United vs Manchester City: Head to head
Both the legendary clubs have a long history and the Premier League has witnessed some fierce matches being played between the two renowned clubs. Both the clubs have faced each other 152 times.
Their last encounter took place at the Etihad and United comfortably won by a 2-0 scoreline. Goals from Bruno Fernandes and Luke Shaw sealed the win.
Manchester United wins: 59
Draws: 48
Manchester City wins: 45
Premier League Form Guide:
Manchester United form guide: W, L, D, L, L, W
Manchester City form guide: D, W, D, W, W, L
Manchester United vs Manchester City: Team News
Manchester United:
Manchester United received a major blow against Atalanta as their key centre-back Raphael Varane was injured just before half-time. He has been now ruled out for one month and Solskjaer has a difficult choice to make while selecting his centre-backs for the match.
Paul Pogba is also suspended after he received a red card against Liverpool for his foul on Naby Keita. Victor Lindelof is still injured and is also a doubt for the clash.
Injured: Raphael Varane
Doubtful: Victor Lindelof
Suspended: Paul Pogba
Manchester City:
Kyle Walker will be a doubt after he received a minor knock against Brugge. His injury will be assessed ahead of the crucial encounter.
Aymeric Laporte is suspended after his red card incident against Crystal Palace. Liam Delap and Ferran Torres are sidelined due to injuries.
Injured: Liam Delap, Ferran Torres
Doubtful: Kyle Walker
Suspended: Aymeric Laporte
Opposition Key Man: Riyad Mahrez
The Algerian winger has scored eight goals and provided two assists in just 15 appearances. He has been the main threat at the wing position and his speed has been disturbing many top-class centre-backs.
If in case Solskjaer decides to play three centre-backs, Harry Maguire and Eric Bailly will have to be very clinical and sharp while defending against the pacy winger. A single slip and the Man City star will be on the scoreline.
Our Prediction for the Match:
We consider Manchester City to be heavy favourites to win this contest. Considering that Man United are without Raphael Varane, it will be difficult for Maguire and Lindelof to stop such a world-class attack.
Man United need to win be more than two goals if they want to climb above Manchester City in the league table.
Our scoreline for the match: Manchester United 1-3 Manchester City.
