This Sunday, the Manchester Derby takes center stage. Recently, both Manchester City and Manchester United have been far from their best, sharing similar struggles. City currently sit in fourth place, while United are way down in 13th.
Manchester City: Injury Crisis and Form Woes
City have managed just one win in their last six league games. Adding to their problems, Rodri is unlikely to feature, and their defensive line is riddled with injuries. Versatile youngster Rico Lewis is suspended, and veteran captain Kyle Walker, who has been targeted by opposition attackers in recent matches, may still need to start. With Stones, Akanji, and Aké all dealing with injuries, Guardiola may be forced to field 19-year-old center-back Luke Mbete and 21-year-old left-back Josh Wilson-Esbrand, who has yet to make a first-team appearance this season.
In midfield, City lack physicality with their main duo of Gündoğan and Bernardo Silva. Guardiola might consider dropping Matheus Nunes back into midfield. Nunes, signed for over £50 million from Wolves, has shown glimpses of creativity as a left winger but lacks the one-on-one threat needed for that role. His past experience as a midfielder at Sporting CP, particularly alongside Ugarte, suggests he could add defensive steel and composure under pressure.
Bernardo Silva remains City’s Swiss Army knife, but he’s arguably more dangerous on the right wing, especially given summer signing Savinho’s underwhelming performances. The one bright spot for City is the return of Kevin De Bruyne, whose creativity and leadership could be pivotal.
A likely starting XI would see Haaland leading the line, with De Bruyne playing just behind him. On the left wing, if Grealish or Doku are fit enough—even if not at 100%—one of them could start. Bernardo Silva should take the right flank, while Gündoğan and Nunes pair up in midfield. In defense, Gvardiol could start as left-back if fit, with Rúben Dias and potentially Akanji as the center-back duo. Walker remains the best option at right-back. As for the goalkeeper, Guardiola could stick with Ortega, who has started the last three games, or bring back Ederson.
Manchester United: More Options but Still a Work in Progress
United, unlike City, have fewer injuries and more squad options. However, new manager Rúben Amorim is still assessing his players and must settle on a consistent starting XI soon.
The right flank has been a bright spot for United. Against a weakened City defense, deploying Mazraoui as a right-sided center-back and Diallo as a right wing-back could provide a solid balance of attack and defense. Diallo has been impressive recently, with four assists in three consecutive league matches, though his absence against Arsenal weakened United’s right-sided attack.
On the right wing, Rashford, despite underwhelming performances off the bench lately, has a proven track record against City. He has scored six goals and provided one assist in 22 matches against them, making him a reliable option in big games.
In midfield, Amorim has experimented with various pairings, but against City, Casemiro and Ugarte must start. With Rodri unavailable, United have a golden opportunity to take control of the midfield battle.
Captain Bruno Fernandes remains United’s creative linchpin, contributing three goals and three assists in his last six matches. Up front, the choice between Højlund and Zirkzee depends on the game plan. Højlund offers pace and power for a more direct approach, while Zirkzee’s technical skills and hold-up play suit a possession-based strategy.
Elsewhere, Lisandro Martínez should retain his place at the back, given City’s limited aerial threat. A preferred starting XI could see Onana in goal, a back three of Martínez, De Ligt, and Mazraoui, with Dalot and Diallo as wing-backs. Ugarte and Casemiro would anchor the midfield, while Bruno, Rashford, and Højlund lead the attack.
Match Outlook
Last season, City dominated the league meetings, completing a home-and-away double over United, although United hit back with a victory in the FA Cup final. City then avenged that loss by beating United in the Community Shield on penalties. In their last three home league games against United, City have been dominant, securing emphatic wins.
However, City’s defensive fragility this season makes this derby more unpredictable. With both teams struggling for consistency, a draw feels like the most likely outcome.
Prediction: A closely fought 1-1 or 2-2 draw.