All about the Manchester Derby
It's the biggest game of the Premier League, the Manchester derby. Top of the table clash where number 1 faces number 2 and old foes Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola lock horns again, the showdown you have been patiently waiting for. Here is everything you need to know ahead of Manchester City's much awaited visit to Old Trafford on Sunday night.
Mourinho's men are on a roll
Mourinho and his men are high on confidence as they head into the fixture on the back of four consecutive league wins over Arsenal, Watford, Brighton and Newcastle. For the Red Devils, this is a must win encounter as it will significantly impact the title race, cutting down Manchester City lead to just 5 points as they head into the busy festive season.
Manchester City players are on song
Manchester City have had a formidable start to their Premier League campaign this year and are still unbeaten so far. Their only blip came back in August in the form of 1-1 draw at home against Everton. Since then, they have won 13 successive league games, a joint-record within a single top-flight season. Will they make it 14 on Sunday?
League's best defence vs the best attack
United boast the best defensive record in the Premier League this season. The Red Devils have conceded just 9 goals so far. While, City are not bad in their defence having conceded just 10 goals, but it's their attacking prowess that's making headlines. The sky-blues have the best attack in the division averaging almost 3 goals a game with 46 in just 15 matches.
Old Trafford is a fortress that cannot be breached
United equalled their historic club record of 40 games uneaten at home in all competitions during their midweek victory over CSKA Moscow in the Champions League. Old Trafford has been a fortress for the last 14 months. But City can take heart from the fact that they were the last team to clinch a victory at the Theatre of Dreams back in September 2016.
Mourinho desperate to get the better of Guardiola
Heading into the 175th Manchester derby, the Red Devils have superior numbers to their name winning 72 and drawing 52 of the previous 174 clashes. However, last season City beat United 2-1 at Old Trafford. Jose Mourinho has also won just 4 out of his 19 meetings with Pep Guardiola in all competitions. He has drawn 7 and lost 8.
Will Pogba be a big miss for Manchester United?
Manchester United will be without their record 100 million pound signing Paul Pogba who starts his three match suspension after his red card against Arsenal. Defender Eric Bailly and captain Michael Carrick were also ruled out. City is likely to recall skipper Vincent Kompany and midfielder Fernandinho but Benjamin Mendy and John Stones are out due to injury.
