[3-4-2-1]: Bruno’s position changed, Amad returns and Academy goalkeeper replaced Onana- Manchester United’s predicted lineup against Manchester City as Ruben Amorim confirms three major changes ahead of the Derby match
The Red Devils will take on City on matchday 31 in the Premier League.
Manchester United will look to bounce back from their previous defeat against Forest as they will host their rivals, Manchester City, on Sunday. The Red Devils are going through some tough times on and off the pitch, as there have been a lot of issues this season for them.
A lot of expectations were there when United replaced Erik Ten Hag with Ruben Amorim as their head coach, but things are not going according to their plan.
As of now, United are currently sitting in the 13th spot. In 30 league games this season, they have won 10 games, drawn seven and lost 13 games. Even though injury issues have hampered their season, they will still look to get as many points as possible from the remaining games. They have already defeated City this season and will look to do it again.
Not many people expected City to be out of the title race so soon this season, but overall, they will be very disappointed with their performance. City’s dream of winning five titles in a row is gone, and they are also out of the Champions League. They still can win a trophy this season as they have qualified for the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
In 30 matches, they have won 15 games, drawn six and lost nine, with 51 points on the table. They are fourth on the Premier League table and will look to get the UCL spot for sure. Facing United away from home will not be an easy task for sure, and they will have to be at their best to get a positive result. This will be a mouthwatering clash, for sure.
Manchester United (in all competitions): L-W-W-D-D
Manchester City (in all competitions): W-W-D-L-W
Players to Watch
Patrick Dorgu (Manchester United)
He oozes calmness and composure when on the ball. He is a modern fullback in every sense and a technically refined, physically developed, and versatile player. A dynamic player who loves to carry the ball up the pitch, cut inside, combine with forwards and keep the ball in tight spaces.
He is a press-resistant footballer who weaves in and out of challenges with ease. He is yet another asset that makes him a superb ball carrier with his physicality. Dorgu makes his presence known and remains close to the opposing attackers, boasting impressive body orientation and positioning, which enables him to monitor his marked winger whilst not overcommiting. He is a player who perfectly fits Amorim’s style of play.
Nico is a mixture of physical strength and technicality. He is a beat in terms of ball progression. He has a Yaya Toure-esque ball progression. He bullies the opposing players with his physical strength.
Whether he plays as a sole defensive pivot or as a part of a central midfield pairing, Nico is like a magnet to the ball, always offering himself for a pass. Rarely making a loose pass, quickly moving it to teammates, he keeps the ball exceptionally well. He is a versatile player, and Pep Guardiola fully trusts him to make a difference on the pitch. He has played seven games for City till now in which he scored once and assisted once.
Luke Shaw, Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo, Ayden Heaven and Jonny Evans are all injured and will not be available for selection. The rest of the players are fit to play for the home team.
John Stones, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake and Erling Haaland all are injured and will not play against United. The rest of the players are fit to play.
Head-to-Head
Matches: 195
Manchester United: 80
Manchester City: 62
Draws: 53
Predicted Lineups
Manchester United Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1):Onanla (GK); Yoro, de Ligt, Mazraoui; Dalot, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu; Garnacho, Fernandes; Zirkzee
Manchester City Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Ederson (GK); Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Gonzalez, Gundogan; Savio, Grealish, Doku; Marmoush
