Manchester City beat Manchester United on penalties in August's Community Shield, while the Sky Blues have also won five of the last six Premier League encounters between the pair, including each of the last three at the Etihad, scoring 13 and conceding five; are we poised for another goal-fest?
Manchester City vs Manchester United Preview
Manchester City's crisis continues, but could a derby victory reignite their campaign? On Wednesday night, Pep Guardiola's team were beaten again, this time by Juventus in the Champions League, conceding two sloppy late goal in Turin. As a result, having failed to win any of their last three European matches, the Sky Blues are 22nd in the gigantic league table, with a huge tie against Paris Saint-Germain, who are also in danger of elimination, to come next month.
Across all competitions, remarkably, the Citizens have lost seven of their last ten matches, their sole victory since 26 October coming at home to Nottingham Forest. Last weekend's 2-2 draw at Selhurst Park, in which Man City had to come from behind twice to earn a draw with Crystal Palace, leaves the four-in-a-row champions fourth, eight points adrift leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand, more concerned about securing a top four finish, rather than attempting to retain their title once again. With a trip to Villa Park next up on Saturday, it doesn't get much easier for Guardiola's team before Christmas, but could a derby against their fiercest rivals be just what they need to spark into life?
Well, if Manchester City think they're in crisis, trying being Manchester United! The Red Devils kick ff in 13th place, eight points worse off than their cross-town rivals, closer to bottom of the table Southampton than leaders Liverpool. Rúben Amorim's new manager bounce did not last long, with his side enduring back-to-back Premier League defeats ahead of this one, beaten 2-0 by Arsenal in North London before, three days later, an embarrassing 3-2 home loss at the hands of Nottingham Forest, with some rather calamitous defending and goalkeeping gifting the visitors their goals.
This is the lowest in the table Man United have been 15 matches into a campaign since 1986/87, the season Sir Alex Ferguson arrived, and Amorim has a lot of work to do if he's going to be even a fraction as successful as the club's greatest-ever manager. In the more immediate term, the Red Devils are seeking to avoid three successive Premier League defeats, within the same season, for the first time since Boxing Day 2015. On Thursday night, Man United did get back to winning ways, fighting back from a goal down to defeat Viktoria Plzeň 2-1 in Czechia, Rasmus Højlund scoring a late brace off the bench, a result that massively enhances their chances of going straight through to the Europa League last 16. So now, can Amorim's team add to Man City's woes.
Manchester City vs Manchester United Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 194.
- Manchester City Wins: 62. Draws: 53. Manchester United Wins: 79.
Manchester City Team News
Rico Lewis' red card at Selhurst Park means he is suspended, while Nathan Aké, John Stones, Manuel Akanji, Rodri and Oscar Bobb all remain sidelined, leaving them very short of defenders. In better news, Phil Foden was back amongst the substitutes in Turin, having missed the last two Premier League matches due to bronchitis, so could feature in this derby. Similarly, Mateo Kovačić also didn't get off the bench in mid-week, being eased back to full fitness having not been seen since 9 November. In goal, Stefan Ortega had started three successive matches before Ederson was restored on Wednesday, but the Brazilian was responsible for a bit of a blunder against Juventus, so could Ortega be donning the gloves once more? Lastly, Bernardo Silva will sit out Saturday's trip to Villa Park if cautioned.
Manchester City predicted lineup vs Manchester United: (4-1-4-1): Ortega; Walker, Rúben Dias, Simpson-Pusey, Gvardiol; Gündoğan, Grealish, Silva, De Bruyne, Nunes; Håland.
Manchester City Player to Watch vs Manchester United
Erling Braut Håland has 18 goals to his name this season, aiming to score in back-to-back Premier League games for the first time since September, while the Norwegian has bagged six in four league derbies so far.
Manchester United Team News
Rúben Amorim continues to rotate his team from game to game, but he'll surely deploy his strongest available lineup for this one, whatever that may be. Luke Shaw is the only first-team player injured, while Leny Yoro is likely to return at centre-back, having made his long-awaited full-Premier League debut last weekend. Rasmus Højlund's brace off the bench on Thursday will surely see him lead the line, while Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho are also likely to return. Harry Maguire is the only player one booking away from a ban.
Manchester United predicted lineup vs Manchester City: (3-4-3): Onana; Yoro, de Ligt, Martínez; Dalot, Ugarte, Mainoo, Mazraoui; Fernandes, Garnacho, Højlund.
Manchester United Player to Watch vs Manchester City
Marcus Rashford may not start, but he has previously scored six times in Manchester derbies, three of which have been at the Etihad, so could he be the hero wearing red come Sunday?
Manchester City vs Manchester United Prediction
We are backing Man City to collect all three points, as well as the all-important derby bragging rights Of course, the Sky Blues are in horrendous form, but Man United are in an even more dire situation, so we simply cannot see the Red Devils keeping their noisy neighbours quiet: Manchester City 3-1 Manchester United.
Manchester City vs Manchester United FAQs - Premier League
How to watch Manchester City vs Manchester United Premier League game on TV channel?
Manchester City vs Manchester United Premier League game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Sky Sports Main Event, Premier League & Ultra HD
- USA: fuboTV, NBC, Telemundo & Deportes En Vivo
- Canada: Fubo Sports Network Canada
How to watch Manchester City vs Manchester United Premier League game on live streaming?
Manchester City vs Manchester United Premier League game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: SkyGO & NOW TV
- USA: fuboTV, nbcsports.com, USA Network, Telemundo & SiriusXM FC
- Canada: fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Manchester City vs Manchester United in the Premier League?
Manchester City vs Manchester United takes place on Sunday 15 November 2024, with kick off at 16:30 (GMT), 11:30 (EDT) & 8:30 (PST).