Man City vs Man United: Match preview, head-to-head, team news & key players

Manchester United travel across town to face Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

United picked up their first victory of the campaign before the international break, beating Burnley 3-2 at Old Trafford.

By contrast, City suffered a 2-1 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion. They have now suffered two consecutive losses, having lost to Tottenham Hotspur in the previous clash.

Match preview

Man City head into the fixture as favourites and are under pressure to secure the maximum points to prevent losing more ground on Liverpool.

The Cityzens have not been as dominant as in previous seasons, ranking second for average ball possession per game.

Still, they are expected to dominate possession in this fixture, but whether they can create enough chances and be clinical remains to be seen.

A victory against Pep Guardiola’s side would see Man United record back-to-back victories in the league for the first time under manager Ruben Amorim.

The Red Devils are likely to cede possession to the hosts and create chances from counter-attacks and set-pieces.

They will need to be clinical with the chances that come their way to record a second consecutive victory at the Etihad.

Head-to-head

City have won six of the last 10 Manchester derbies across all competitions, but lost their most recent home meeting, the 2-1 defeat last season.

Team news

Man United have included defender Tyrell Malacia in their Premier League squad as he failed to secure a move away from the club. Whether he will be in the matchday squad for this clash remains to be seen.

However, it is confirmed that United will be without Mason Mount, Matheus Cunha, Diogo Dalot and Lisandro Martinez.

For City, Omar Marmoush, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Rayan Cherki are ruled out. There is also uncertainty regarding John Stones’ fitness.

Key players

Man City

Erling Haaland: The Norwegian striker has three goals in as many games in the league this season. He has registered six goals and three assists in eight games against United.

Rodri: The Spaniard returned to the starting line-up for the defeat at Brighton. His ability to control games would be pivotal for City.

Man United

Bruno Fernandes: Fernandes tops the chart for most possession won and most chances in the league this term. He has eight goal involvements in 15 matches against City.

Bryan Mbeumo: The Cameroonian has scored in his last two appearances for Man United and was named the club’s August Player of the Month.

Stats from sofascore.com & 11v11.com

Article written by Henry Thornton .