City aim to leapfrog United in Manchester derby

Manchester United face arch enemies Manchester City at Old Trafford on Saturday evening, in what will be the first Manchester derby of the season.

The Red Devils head into the game on the back of a defeat in Germany, which spelled Champions League exit at the group stage. They narrowly missed out on progression to the last 16 as they lost 3-2 to Julian Nagelsmann’s impressive Leipzig team, with Manchester City loanee left back Angelino getting a goal and an assist.

City had a contrasting result in the lead up to this weekend’s Manchester derby with a comfortable 3-0 win over Marseille. Having already qualified for the last 16 prior to the visit of Marseille, Pep Guardiola was able to rest the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Gabriel Jesus in preparation for the big game on Saturday.

Team news:

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will hope to call on the services of strikers Edinson Cavani and Anthony Martial once again after the pair missed out on the midweek trip to Germany. While Fred is also in contention to start after missing out in Leipzig due to suspension.

As for City, Guardiola could potentially be without midfielder Ilkay Gundogan after he went off at half time in the win over Marseille with a reported ankle injury. However other defensive midfielder Rodri, who missed the game due to a slight knock, returned to full training on Thursday.

Leading talisman Sergio Aguero also made his return from injury against Marseille with a goal as he managed 25 minutes, however the Manchester derby could be a little soon for the Argentine, as Pep said after the game on Wednesday he had ‘no chance’ of starting against United.

Form Guide:

Despite struggling in Europe on Tuesday, United’s domestic form has been impressive of late winning their previous four games in the Premier League. Three of those wins have been on the road, and with United managing only one win at home this season, Ole will be hoping to change that as Manchester City arrive at the Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, Guardiola’s men will be looking to build on a good run of form themselves as they aim to make it three wins on the bounce in the league, winning their previous two games against Fulham and Burnley respectively – without conceding a goal. The recent results mean City head into the game just one point behind United, and will be aiming to leapfrog them with a win come Saturday evening.

Recent meetings:

In this fixture last season, Manchester United were comfortable winners in a 2-0 victory with Anthony Martial and Scott McTominay on the scoresheet that day, which completed the double over City.

Guardiola will be looking to rectify that come Saturday and get back to winning ways at Old Trafford, having been victorious in his previous four visits, prior to the defeat in March.

MATCH OFFICIALS:

Referee: Chris Kavanagh
Assistants: Lee Betts and Constantine Hatzidakis
Fourth Official: Craig Pawson
VAR: Paul Tierney
Assistant VAR: Ian Hussin