Manchester City vs Manchester United: Preview, Dream11 and more
Premier League champions Manchester City host rivals Manchester United in a pulsating derby encounter. The gameweek 16 clash will mean a lot for both sides, who are in need of victories to keep up with the momentum. Both teams won their previous encounters earlier this week and one expects a solid tactical game on offer. Here is the match preview.
Manchester derby: Team news and selection
Ilkay Gundogan is available for City after suspension, while Oleksandr Zinchenko is fit after a knee surgery. Star forward Sergio Aguero has again been ruled out. Anthony Martial could make a return for United after missing the game against Tottenham. Paul Pogba is certain to miss the game, whereas, Nemanja Matic is nearing full fitness.
Solskjaer will be wary of favorites Manchester City
United are unbeaten in four games in the Premier League and the win against Spurs will lift their spirits. City, who beat Burnley 4-1 this week, need to stitch a series of wins to apply pressure on league leaders Liverpool. The hosts go into the game as favorites and United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will hope his tactics pay off against another big side.
What did the managers claim ahead of the clash?
City boss Pep Guardiola said, "We play against a good team, try to follow the performances we've put in and try to win the game. You know my opinion on the title race." Solskjaer opined, "Confidence is a strange thing in football; you can get performances and results like Wednesday night and it boosts it so much. Our boys will be up for it."
Stat attack: All the important numbers on offer
This is the 149th top-flight Manchester derby. The Red Devils lead by 56 wins to City's 45. There have been 47 draws. City have never lost more than one Premier League home fixture in a season under Guardiola. City have dropped 13 points home and away this season. United have won only one of their past 11 Premier League away matches.
Dream11, timing and TV listing
The match is scheduled to start at 11:00 PM IST on Saturday. The gameweek 16 encounter between the two sides will be held at the Etihad Stadium. One can watch the match live on the Star Sports Network and stream it on Hotstar (paid subscription). Dream11: Ederson, Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Fernandinho, Angelino, Fred, McTominay, Bernardo, De Bruyne (captain), Sterling, Rashford (vice-captain).
