The Manchunian derby this weekend shall be a decisive one for The Red Devils. They have to win the game to close the gap and keep their chance in a title race open. Otherwise, The Citizens will be leaving them behind. Unfortunately, Ole Solskjaer’s men have been in a bit of a setback. They have been winless in the past three games with three goalless draw in a row. This could be a real danger for their own dream to win a Premier League this season.
The teams’ previous games
Manchester City secured a big win while hosting Wolves last Tuesday. They dismantled Nuno Santo’s men 4-1. Pep Guardiola’s men took the lead through Leandre Dendoncker’s own goal but equalised by Conor Coady. Then, Gabi Jesus bagged a brace with Riyad Mahrez’s goal in between. Such result brought them to four points clear at the top from their neighbour.
Meanwhile, Manchester United, once again, was held in a goalless draw against Crystal Palace on the road in a misty evening. A number of chances were unable to be capitalised due to the limited sights for everyone on the pitch.
Possible tactic
Pep Guardiola has always been in favour of 4-3-3 formation with more flexible transition this season. Raheem Sterling, Gabi Jesus and Riyad Mahrez will be leading the attack once again, or Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden could replace the two of them. Kevin de Bruyne is in the midfield accompanied by Ilkay Gundogan and Rodrigo.
Ole Solksjaer is still opting for 4-2-3-1. However, the Norwegian might have to play Edison Cavani as Anthony Martial is ruled out along with Paul Pogba, Danny Van de Beek, David de Gea and Phil Jones. The rest will still be the same with Bruno Fernandes as the number ten and Marcus Rashford plus Mason Greenwood on both flanks. Dean Henderson will be covering between the sticks again.
Players to watch
The Citizens’ top performer is still Kevin de Bruyne with three goals and eleven assists in Premier League only so far. Lately, some other notable names in the squad to watch are Joao Cancelo who could be occupying defensive midfielder role if necessary and the versatile and top scorer Ilkay Gundogan with 11 goals and one assist.
Bruno Fernandes is the current top scorer and assist provider in Manchester United. He has contributed 15 goals and 10 assists so far. No wonder that their contender will attempt their best to close down the Portuguese’s playmaker in the process of attacking build-up. Another key man to watch is Marcus Rashford who has registered nine goals and six assists.
Manchester City vs Manchester United Prediction
Marcus Rashford and Co will be the side who will try harder to win in this game to prove that there is no crisis in their squad at the moment. However, it will not be as easy as they want since Guardiola’s men are in the positive trend and ready to take the advantage of the current circumstance in Solskjaer’s squad. The game might just end in a draw again.
Betting odds
According to the punters, Manchester City is the slight favorite. They are priced to win at 3/5, whereas Marcus Rashford and Co’s win market is at 11/2. The draw result is at the value of 10/3.
