Manchester United welcome arch-rivals Manchester City in Saturday’s early Premier League kick-off.
After a mixed start to the current campaign, the Red Devils are fifth in the table, eight points behind leaders Chelsea.
The club recently ended a four-match winless league run with a 3-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur, but could not carry the momentum in midweek.
They played out a 2-2 draw against Atalanta in the Champions League. Cristiano Ronaldo scored in the stoppage time in either half.
The Portuguese salvaged a point for the Red Devils, but they need to produce a better defensive display against the Cityzens.
United have the edge over the Cityzens in the last four league meetings with three wins and one draw, but they face a stern test this weekend.
Formation: 3-4-1-2
Predicted Line-up:
David de Gea has been an undisputed pick between the sticks this term.
The Spaniard has put in multiple standout displays, but his error contributed to the opening goal for Atalanta. The 30-year-old is still expected to start in goal ahead of Dean Henderson.
In defence, there will be an enforced change with Raphael Varane ruled out for around a month with a hamstring injury.
Victor Lindelof was absent against Atalanta with a minor problem, but he is likely to make his comeback.
The Swede appears set to accompany Eric Bailly and Harry Maguire at the heart of the defence.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw are undisputed starters when fit, and they are widely expected to continue in the wing-back positions.
It should be an easy pick for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in midfield. Paul Pogba is currently serving a three-match suspension after his sending off in the 5-0 loss to Liverpool.
Scott McTominay and Fred are the go-to choices for the Norwegian, and they are expected to line up alongside each other.
Further forward, Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo are definite starters, and the only question mark lies on who could accompany the latter up front.
Edinson Cavani was Ronaldo’s partner at Spurs, and he combinedly splendidly with the Portuguese to score the second goal.
Marcus Rashford could not find the same wavelength with Ronaldo in midweek. The club graduate has yet to score when picked from the starting XI.
He has netted in his three substitute appearances, and it could be a similar on Saturday with Cavani getting the nod alongside Ronaldo.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com.
Read: Manchester United confirm Raphael Varane injury blow, out for a month.
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