Manchester City Vs Manchester United; Preview, Team News, Probable Lineups, Kick-off Time And Date

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Adesina David

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The Manchester derby is upon us again, with the two rivals - Manchester United and Manchester City hopefully serving everyone a treat on Sunday, March 3, 2024.

Pep Guardiola's side host their age-long foe at the Etihad in what is expected to be an enthralling “Super Sunday” affair.

Manchester City come into the game as the favorite, having clipped the wings of their incoming opposition many times in the past decade.

They have also replicated all the successes of the Red Devils and are even looking at setting theirs.

Definitely, this is a clash involving two historical teams - one modern history, the other past history.

Both clubs definitely remain powerhouses in English football, and every time they meet, new realities unfold.

Manchester City come into this game, following a 6-2 smashing of Luton Town in the FA Cup, with Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne being in devilish form throughout the game.

In their last league fixture, they secured a slim win over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, courtesy of a goal from Phil Foden.

The Cityzens definitely will be hoping that they can silence Manchester United on their way to possibly making history by becoming the first team to win the Premier League title 4 times consecutively.

Pep Guardiola's side occupy the 2nd spot on the log, with 59 points from 26 matches, one point behind league leaders Liverpool, who have amassed 60 points this term.

Manchester United visit their noisy neighbors hoping to also quench the fire at the Etihad, by showing guts amid adversity.

Despite being plagued with many injury problems, with Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, and Rasmus Hojlund to mention a few absent from the game, they managed to secure a 1-0 5th Round FA Cup win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

Casemiro's goal late on proved vital, although they will have the headache of facing Liverpool in the quarter-finals.

Their unbeaten run in 2024 was halted by Fulham at Old Trafford in their last league fixture, with Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi securing victory for the away side on the day.

Harry Maguire scored the solitary goal for Manchester United on the day, but it certainly wasn't enough.

Erik Ten Hag will have to wave a magic wand for the test to come at the Etihad, with his job also reported to be on the line.

The Red Devils sit 6th on the table, with 44 points from 26 league matches, and their chances of making the top-4 get dimmer as the season wears on.

The return leg of this game ended in a comprehensive win for Manchester City, 3-0, with a brace from Erling Haaland and a goal from Phil Foden handing Pep Guardiola's side the victory.

Manchester United last defeated the Cityzens at the Etihad on March 8, 2020, during the spell of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

In the last 36 meetings between the two teams, Manchester City have won 18, while Manchester United have won 14, with the clash ending in a draw on 4 occasions.

Team News For Manchester City

Jack Grealish will play no part in the game on Sunday, March 3, 2024, after suffering a knock in the 5th Round FA Cup clash against Luton Town.

Josko Gvardiol's fitness level is also uncertain due to an ankle injury which the Croatian is nursing.

Ederson Moraes is expected to return in goal for the game against Manchester United, with Erling Haaland, Rodri, and Kevin De Bruyne expected to start this key fixture.

Team News For Manchester United

The Red Devils are plagued with many injury issues, with Lisandro Martinez, Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, Rasmus Hojlund, Tyrell Malacia and Anthony Martial all absent from the game.

Bruno Fernandes should be in good shape for the game after fans were scared for his fitness for the clash, having limped away from the City Ground during the midweek.

Erik Ten Hag will also be hoping that Raphael Varane is ready to go for this massive encounter, while Kobbie Mainoo is expected to feature against the Cityzens.

Manchester City's probable starting lineup:
Ederson; Walker, Dias, Stones, Ake; Silva, Rodri, De Bruyne; Doku, Haaland, Foden

Manchester United's probable starting lineup:
Onana; Dalot, Varane, Lindelof, Amrabat; Casemiro, Mainoo; Antony, Fernandes, Garnacho; Rashford

Kick-off Time: 04:30 PM
Date: March 3, 2024

Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Manchester United