Another edition of the Manchester derby will take place on Sunday, and this time it has a Champions League spot at stake. Both Manchester clubs are underachieving in the Premier League this season, the Citizens are fourth and 12 points behind leaders Leicester City, while United are in sixth placed, four points behind the last Champions League spot. The Citizens will hope to win their second league win in six games, while the Red Devils will try to get back to winning ways after the defeat to West Brom. The reverse fixture at Old Trafford ended goalless, while the last meeting at the Etihad Stadium was won by Manchester City thanks to a goal from Sergio Aguero.
Manchester City have won just one of their last five league matches and slipped 12 points behind Leicester City as a result. Moreover, that lonely win was against Aston Villa, who are hopelessly bottom of the table. They lost to both Leicester and Tottenham in consecutive matches and then were thrashed 3-0 at Liverpool, right after having won the League Cup. They have not scored in their last two competitive games, but they had a consolation in reaching the Champions League quarter-finals. Captain Vincent Kompany is injured again, while fellow central defender Nicolas Otamendi could also miss out.
Manchester United seemed to have finally picked up some momentum last month as they recorded three consecutive victories, including a 3-2 triumph over Arsenal in the Premier League. They started March with a 1-0 victory over Watford, but then lost to West Bromwich Albion in the last league match. After that loss they were held to a 1-1 FA Cup draw by West Ham and then got knocked out of the Europa League by bitter rivals Liverpool, so morale is going towards low again. Wayne Rooney is not yet ready for his return from injury, while Ander Herrera is a doubt. Ashley Young and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson are getting close to their returns, but they shouldn't play this weekend.
Probable line-ups:
Man City: Hart - Zabaleta, Mangala, Otamendi, Clichy - Fernando, Fernandinho - Sterling, Toure, Silva - Aguero
Man United: De Gea - Valencia, Smalling, Blind, Rojo - Carrick, Fellaini - Martial, Lingard, Mata - Rashford
My prediction: Manchester City to win 2-1.
Here are the odds for the match at Bet365:
Man City win - 1.83 Draw - 3.75 Man United win - 4.75
sharpe
8 years ago
In fact I think it was the best United performance whole season long, they were tight, competitive and good looking team really. In the end of the first half there as a clear foul in the City penalty area against Rashford but not whistled by the referee, the game could finish even before the half. City looking pity this...
In fact I think it was the best United performance whole season long, they were tight, competitive and good looking team really. In the end of the first half there as a clear foul in the City penalty area against Rashford but not whistled by the referee, the game could finish even before the half. City looking pity this season despite all the billions they've spent building that team over the years. By the way crowd reacts it seems United game is the most important for the City fans every season you might tought even if they play a CL final, funny little team ; )
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jakablazic 8 years ago
City is hosting United tomorrow in new Manchester derby. Both teams in poor form, City almost out of title race, but proceeded to QF in CL, United is recently knocked out of Europa League vs Liverpool. City should be able to take 3 points here. United can't replace Rooney with Lingard and expect fireworks. Carrick and Fellaini...
City is hosting United tomorrow in new Manchester derby. Both teams in poor form, City almost out of title race, but proceeded to QF in CL, United is recently knocked out of Europa League vs Liverpool. City should be able to take 3 points here. United can't replace Rooney with Lingard and expect fireworks. Carrick and Fellaini should be outplayed by powerful City midfield, and Aguero is great striker. I can't see Utd taking any points tomorrow.
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