Manchester United look to make a major push for the top four as they welcome Manchester City to Old Trafford in a blockbuster Manchester Derby clash on Super Sunday.
Man Utd need at least a point to return to fifth, although a win could move them into fourth if Chelsea lose to Everton in the mid-afternoon game.
Man City meanwhile look to reduce their deficit to league leaders, Liverpool to 22 points as they continue to chase rapidly fading title hopes.
Team news
Embed from Getty ImagesAaron Wan-Bissaka is in contention to return from a back injury for Man Utd if he passes a late fitness test, alongside Harry Maguire (ankle), Timothy Fosu-Mensah (fitness) and Daniel James (knock).
Paul Pogba is a few weeks away from returning from a lengthy foot injury, whilst Lee Grant (unspecified) and Marcus Rashford (back) remain sidelined.
Man City could welcome Kevin De Bruyne back from a shoulder injury, if he passes a late fitness test.
Aymeric Laporte (hamstring) and Leroy Sane (fitness) remain out.
Form
Man Utd enter this clash unbeaten in their last nine matches across all competitions (W6, D3), including clean sheets in each of their last three home games.
Man City come into this game with just one defeat in their last eight league games (W6, D1, L1), plus just two clean sheets in their last five away league trips.
Stat Attack
- Manchester United have won just two of their last five league meetings against Manchester City (W2, L3).
- Man City are unbeaten in their last four league trips to Old Trafford (W3, D1), scoring twice in each of their last three visits.
- Just one of City’s last six league goals has come from a defender, Nicholas Otamendi scoring in December 2017.
- No United player has been offside more times this season than Anthony Martial. with the Frenchman caught offside on 10 occasions in 22 appearances.
- City are yet to score a penalty against United after 45 previous Manchester Derbies in the Premier League.
Prediction
This is a huge game for United in terms of demonstrating their progress over the past month, especially in their midfield play has found new pace thanks to Bruno Fernandes’ play making ability.
City however have twice in the past week showcased their ability to dominate games in terms of control against stubborn defences, which is going to be an issue for United if they don’t start on the front foot.
I therefore can see a good attacking game between two quality teams, but the Citizens won’t settle for a score draw so am going for a late away winner.
Prediction: Manchester United 1-2 Manchester City
Result: Manchester United 2-0 Manchester City