Manchester United host Manchester City in Sunday’s derby in the Premier League. The Red Devils have beaten the Cityzens in two of their three meetings this season but both of those have been away from home.
At Old Trafford, they have succumbed to three successive defeats against their arch-rivals but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be aiming to end that run and guide the club to a crucial win in the Champions League race.
Formation: 3-4-1-2
Predicted Lineup:
David de Gea was at fault for Everton’s goal in the 1-1 league draw last weekend but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has stressed that he has no concerns with the Spanish goalkeeper. The 29-year-old is expected to start in the Manchester derby.
Solskjaer should revert to a three-man backline for the contest in order to provide the additional defensive cover. We are fancying the trio of Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire to take the positions. Maguire missed the recent Cup tie with a minor ankle concern but Solskjaer has indicated that he should be ‘fine‘ for Sunday.
In the wing-back spots, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Brandon Williams should feature. Wan-Bissaka remains doubtful for the derby with a back problem but he should be involved, provided he passes the late fitness test. Otherwise, Diogo Dalot may be handed with his second league start of the season.
In the midfield, Nemanja Matic and Fred are expected to feature. Scott McTominay has started the last three games for United following his recovery from a knee injury but he may be restricted to a bench role, given the match could be too intense for him after the recent layoff.
Further forward, Bruno Fernandes should slot into the number 10 position. Anthony Martial should be paired alongside Odion Ighalo upfront. The latter has bagged three goals from his two Cup starts and his physical presence should be useful against a Cityzens backline, which has a sense of vulnerability.
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