On the MatchDay 11 of Premier League, Manchester City will host their city rival Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Perhaps, it has become the most mouthwatering fixture in recent years.
Manchester City
Manchester City is the defending Premier League title holder and the current table-topper. They still remain unbeaten in this season after 11 league fixtures. Though Liverpool and Chelsea are also unbeaten till.
Man City has been on top by a clear 9 points distance from their arch-rivals Man United in this season, who are currently in 8th in the league table. That could suggest that United is far behind in today’s match, but you never know what this two will produce on the pitch. Like as the time these two had to meet each other at Etihad United and United win that by 2-3 after coming from 2-0 behind.
However, Pep Guardiola’s men had their biggest win in the Champions League history by a 6-0 scoreline against Shakhtar Donetsk. Man City has won 10 of their last 11 games across all competitions, scoring 35 goals and conceding just two in that time.
Man City are also unbeaten in their last 53 home matches against teams who began the day outside the top four. Furthermore, Guardiola has never consecutive home league games against a single opponent in his managerial career. There is also a classic battle between two managers as well. These two have met 21 times in their career where Pep has won 9 and lost 5 games.
City will get into the pitch without Kevin De Bruyne once again in this week. Although Ilkay Gundogan is available for this match after coming back from a hamstring injury.
Indeed, Guardiola is facing a sweet problem right now having too many players in such good form. Gabriel Jesus scored a hat-trick in midweek but is still set to miss out to joint-Premier League top scorer Sergio Aguero up front.
Manchester United
The most historically rich club from English Football arena is currently having a tough time out there in the middle. Though they had a nice little period of time in the last week while winning two Premier League fixtures and a famous 1-2 victory over Juventus at Turin on Wednesday’s Champions League away clash.
Of course, the momentum of that win should not overshadow the underwhelming performance from Jose Mourinho’s side throughout the season.
The Red Devils have only managed to keep one clean sheet in the league this season and have conceded 18 goals in their 11 matches so far while it took 25 matches for them for conceding the same numbers in the last season. In comparison with United opponent City has just 2 while scoring 32 goals.
After a two-game absence, United could have Romelu Lukaku back in the bench. So far, Jose’s main scoring man Anthony Martial is in front of a great record if he could score tonight. After scoring 5 goals in his last 4 games, he can be the 7th player to score in 5 consecutive Premier League games.
Man City possible starting lineup:
Ederson; Walker, Stones, Laporte, Mendy; Bernardo, Fernandinho, Silva; Sterling, Aguero, Sane
Man Utd possible starting lineup:
De Gea; Young, Smalling, Lindelof, Shaw; Herrera, Matic, Pogba; Sanchez, Lukaku, Martial