Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini is convinced that city rivals United will be dangerous when they meet in the derby on Sunday, with or without captain Wayne Rooney. The Manchester United star forward will return after suspension for the weekend's derby match at the Etihad Stadium. However, he was seen limping at an event on Monday and his presence in the starting line up could be in doubt. The club have not made any comments on the situation yet. Rooney is the record goalscorer in Manchester derbies, having scored 11 goals in 22 games for United.
City boss Pellegrini doesn't see Rooney's absence as an important plus for his team. "I think Rooney is a very important player for Manchester United but I think that big teams never depend on one player,” he said. "They have enough important, creative players to replace him."
Pellegrini has confirmed Samir Nasri is fit and ready to play after being out for six weeks with a groin problem. Frank Lampard is likely to miss the derby though due to a thigh injury. Manchester City have won the last three Manchester derbies, 3-0 at Old Trafford and 4-1 at home last season, plus a 2-1 win at Old Trafford two seasons ago. The last time Manchester United won at the Etihad Stadium was on December 9th 2012, it ended 3-2, with Wayne Rooney scoring twice.
Manchester City are 3/1 at Bet365 to win the Premier League title this season while Manchester United are 25/1 to claim the trophy.
Daniel Anderson 9 years ago
It appeared that he did not had to be cautious.City played a good solid game.Yes,you will say that Manchester United was the better team on the pitch even when they had only ten players on the pitch,but at the time,City had a lead and it was smart for them to get back and keep their net safe.
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Shumar4life
9 years ago
Manchester City plays great football this season, and they are favorites in this match. Like in every derby we can expect close encouter, with lot of chances on the both sides, but City has better team right now, good squad, and I am expecting theirs win, although in this match everything is possible.
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VlahovicNovo
9 years ago
In sunday we espect very big game.City is not in form and MUFC not play very good but they have players for title.They matches are very specific and hard to prediction.This time i think will be so many gols and maybe correct score 2-2 or 3-3.
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Milaneli
9 years ago
Mancester derby was allways a pleasure. I am sure it will be this time too. Manchester City is in down-form, while United has bosted back after teribble start of the season. I am not sure about lot of goals, no derby this season had a lot of them (except Liverpool vs Totenham).. I am rooting for City.. Will see:)
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Franjo ?iDo 9 years ago
It should be great game, two rivals from Manchester, I expect a lot goals, chances and attractive football.. I think that United can win in this one, this is big test for them, they really have great squad and they can much better, they should be at the top. Manchester City is in better shape currently, but if we look quality,...
It should be great game, two rivals from Manchester, I expect a lot goals, chances and attractive football.. I think that United can win in this one, this is big test for them, they really have great squad and they can much better, they should be at the top. Manchester City is in better shape currently, but if we look quality, United is better in my opinion, for the first time this season they need to show that on field... Let's go Red Devils :)
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