These key battles could decide the derby of Manchester

The first three Premier League matchdays were nothing more than a prelude, before Manchester, one of the football capitals of the world, will witness a battle between old foes on the sidelines and artists on the green turf of Old Trafford.

Both coaches have distinctive styles and systems. While Jose Mourinho normally banks on rather customary 4-2-3-1 and 4-1-4-1 formations, as he has done at Manchester United so far, Pep Guardiola can surprise with a variety of match-to-match and in-match adjustments. That said, the Catalan seems to bank on a 4-1-4-1 shape at the moment, so that his new players don’t have to adapt too much.

Within said systems, what will be the key battles on the field on Saturday? Who could decide the derby of Manchester? And who could fail to deliver the required performance which could ultimately lead to his team’s defeat?

1. Rooney vs Fernandinho

In recent weeks, you have gotten the feeling that the entire football community of England is interested in Wayne Rooney’s future and debating about a suitable role for the skipper. Mourinho sees him in a position behind Zlatan Ibrahimovic which, however, doesn’t mean that the 30-year-old can’t move up and down the pitch if he pleases to.

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Against City, it is very likely that Rooney will get in several duels with holding midfielder Fernandinho. The Brazilian was once signed with the promise to be a dynamic player who can basically connect defence and attack while delivering smooth dribbles in the process.

Times have changed, though. Fernandinho has been reduced to the role of a hard-working pivot. If he has to play in a man-orientated defensive scheme against Rooney, the derby could turn into a nightmare for the Brazilian international.

Why? If he has to defend close to City’s back line, he will very likely be forced into slight mistakes that would cost him against Rooney. If he has to follow Rooney into the middle third, he will expose important zones in front of the centre-backs. So, it is basically a lose-lose situation for Fernandinho.

2. Martial vs Zabaleta

With Bacary Sagna questionable to be ready for the starting eleven, Pablo Zabaleta should get the challenging task to keep French powerhouse Anthony Martial off the danger zone. Martial offers speed, agility and a high work rate – everything a coach wants to see from his winger. It is hard to believe that Zabaleta will be able to block every move Martial attempts.

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The Frenchman’s fast cuts to the inside could be especially threatening. And in case Zabaleta decides to keep the distance between him and the centre-back next him as small as possible, he will sacrifice the outside lane which Martial could use to either get Luke Shaw involved or to scan the backfield to provide accurate cross-passes.

3. Sterling/De Bruyne vs Shaw

Speaking of Luke Shaw, the 21-year-old has recovered very well from his horrible leg injury he suffered a year ago. But on Saturday, the Southampton product will get tested harder than in the previous matches this season. It is not clear who will be fielded on the right wing, as Raheem Sterling could be an option to replace suspended Sergio Agüero in the middle. Maybe Leroy Sane receives his first chance to prove himself in a Citizens’ jersey.

It is also possible that Guardiola gives Kevin De Bruyne a shot on the wing. As opposed to Sterling, the Belgium wunderkind offers a more versatile set of moves. Although he has shown speed and power on the wing when fielded there, he always keeps an eye on the inner zones. So while Shaw versus Sterling would be an intriguing duel between two athletes of the highest calibre, De Bruyne could catch young Shaw on the wrong foot with his special playing style.

4. De Gea vs Bravo

The liaison between Joe Hart and Manchester City didn’t come to a happy end. The English international left the club he served nine years for to join Torino FC right before the transfer window closed, while the Citizens were able to acquire Claudio Bravo from Barcelona. That means both clubs from Manchester now have goalkeepers who can move the ball with their feet quite well.

Both Bravo and David De Gea possess reliable hands. So the duel between the two should come down to who will support his respective team’s build-up play better. On both sides of the field, we will see intense pressing attacks from the defending side – at least occasionally. The value of ball-playing goalkeepers with football IQs above average shouldn’t be underestimated.

5. Control centres

Paul Pogba versus David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne. Football connoisseurs get their money’s worth when this clash between magnificent technicians will go down in front of their eyes. With the signing of Pogba, United found a long needed heart transplant that will be of high significance in matches like this. It would be unfair to put one playmaker above the others. So we can just wait and see who will get the upper hand.

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Will the dynamic Frenchman with the IT factor succeed and lead his team through this battle? Will the silent all-rounder from Spain surgically dissect United’s defence? Or will the energetic Belgian run roughshod over his opponents? We will find out on Saturday.