Manchester City vs Manchester United Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Manchester City:
Ederson; Walker, Stones, Laporte, Cancelo; Silva, Rodri, De Bruyne; Mahrez, Foden, Sterling
Manchester United:
De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Varane, Telles; Pogba, McTominay; Elanga, Fernandes, Sancho; Ronaldo
I will start me preview with some history. The "Manchester derby" is a derby with big tradition in England. The first meeting between the two teams occurred on 12 November 1881, when West Gorton - who would later become Manchester City - hosted Newton Heath - who would later become Manchester United. The game finished 3:0 in favour of the Heathens (United). At that time, the clubs were just two of many fledgling sides in the Manchester area, and the fixture had no special significance.
The first league meeting between the teams came in the season 1894/95 season, when Manchester City lost 2:5 at Hyde Road. The first meeting between the clubs to take place at the highest level of English football occurred in December 1906, a 3:0 City win in a First Division match. As of 6 November 2021, there have been 186 competitive meetings between the teams. United have won 77 and City 56, the remaining 53 games finishing as draws. City won 2:0 the reverse fixture played earlier in the season.
The Citizens currently sit 19 points clear of their upcoming opponents. The actual form is good, three victories on the last four Premier League. According to me, they are the most consistent side. Manager Pep Guardiola is doing a fantastic job and the fans are pleased with his work. In the last round they beat Everton at Goodison Park. Maybe City received some referee's help, but definitely showed they are able to win even on their average day. Manchester City also outplayed Peterborough in the FA Cup. Pep rotated the players on that match in order to rest some of his regulars. He confirmed that Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias are both unavailable due to injuries, while Zack Steffen and Cole Palmer are rated as doubtful.
Manchester United are fourth on the table with 47 points and they will try to secure a Champions League spot. However, it won't be easy as Arsenal and Tottenham have matches in hand. The Red Devils are in solid form in the last period. They have no defeat on the last eight games in the Premier League, but managed to win only a half of them. In the last round they failed to beat Watford at Old Trafford. Winning here is extremely important for the interim coach Ralf Rangnick. Most of the players are ready, but Scott McTominay (illness) and Edinson Cavani (groin) are rated as doubtful. Young Mason Greenwood remain suspended by the club. Finally, Rangnick has to make a decision about Cristiano Ronaldo. The 37-year-old veteran looked tired against Watford and maybe he need a rest.
Manchester City vs Manchester United Prediction:
This will be the 50th Premier League game between these two sides. There have been 21 away wins, more than any other fixture in the competition's history. Manchester United have won the last three matches at the Etihad, however I think City are much closer to the victory here. Simply, there is a class difference between them at the moment. United were unable to score against Watford and they are in some sort of crisis. City will dominate the game, while United will try to take advantage through counter-attacks. But two key strikers - Ronaldo and Cavani - are old and slow. I see no chance for the Red Devils.
Manchester City vs Manchester United Pick: Manchester City -1.0 AH @ 1.65 with Pinnacle