All you need to know about the 2018 Manchester derby
Premier League football is all set for the Manchester derby on Sunday with leaders and defending champions City welcoming United. City are top with 29 points and are nine clear of seventh placed United (20). The hosts go into the tie as the favorites to win the battle and consolidate their number one position. Here is everything about the match.
Team news and selection
City have three of their players Kevin De Bruyne, Eliaquim Mangala and Claudio Bravo nursing injuries. Pep Guardiola is expected to recall Sergio Aguero to the starting line-up, after he warmed the bench in this week's Champions League tie. For United, Romelu Lukaku is set to have a late fitness test. Paul Pogba and Alexis Sanchez should be available.
View from both camps
Pep is wary of the threat United possess and feels that they are a strong unit. He said, "No doubt they've improved. If they can win in Turin, it shows how strong they are. It doesn't matter if [our] confidence is good- it's always complicated." United manager Mourinho said, "If we keep conceding [opening] goals the day will arrive where we cannot come back."
City are playing free-flowing football
City are in commanding form and have been playing some breathtaking football at the moment. They are averaging three goals per match and have scored 33 in 11 so far in EPL. The defensive structure has been in shape with the side conceding just 4. At the moment, the attacking threat of City looks like a mammoth task for United.
United's defensive woes a major issue
United have already conceded 18 goals in 11 matches, which highlights their defensive woes. They have conceded the fifth most number of goals in the league this season and that is worrisome for Jose. The Old Trafford club have been making spirited comebacks in recent past, but this is City and Pep will make sure that doesn't happen. They need compactness.
Players to watch out for
Sergio Aguero is in supreme form and has netted 7 goals already this season to be the joint-highest scorer in EPL. His swift movement and knack for goals could unsettle United's central defenders. Sterling with 6 strikes is another versatile player United will need to stop. For the visitors, Anthony Martial is the key on the left flank and can be a threat.
Stat attack: City vs United
United haven't lost against City in their last three league visits to the Etihad. Guardiola has won nine out of 21 meetings against Jose Mourinho's sides across all competitions. Aguero hasn't scored against United in the last three meetings between the two clubs. United have kept just one clean sheet in Premier League, this season. This will be Jose's 300th EPL match as manager.
TV listing, timing and Super Sunday info
The match is set to start 10:00 PM tomorrow IST. The derby will be telecast live on the Star Sports Select 2/Select HD 2. Meanwhile, Super Sunday also sees Chelsea host Everton at 7:45 PM. Liverpool and Arsenal too play their respective league games tomorrow.
