It’s derby day this Saturday! As Manchester United host arch-rivals Manchester City in what continues building up to be an intriguing encounter at Old Trafford. Unbeaten in seven games across all competitions heading into the tie, the Red Devils will be keen on avenging a humiliating defeat against Man City earlier this season whilst the visitors will be looking to reduce the point gap at the top in a bid to keep the pressure on leaders Arsenal moving further into the season.
Having secured excellent results alongside showing consistency in their performances on the pitch, Man United will be keen on securing nothing but three points at Old Trafford. With Erik Ten Hag’s side having gradually improved their application and mentality on the pitch over the course of the campaign, the Red Devils will be looking to deliver a notable display on Saturday. Moreover, level on points with third-placed Newcastle United, the Red Devils will look to strengthen their position in the top four moving forward into the season.
On the other hand, having won only three of their last five games across all competitions, Pep Guardiola will be keen on his side performing to the best of their abilities on Saturday. Although enduring a dip in their application on the pitch in recent outings, Manchester City will be looking to deliver a competitive performance against Manchester United as they look to sustain their title challenge moving forward into the campaign.
When & Where?
Venue: Old Trafford.
Date: Saturday, 14th January 2023.
Time: 12:30 GMT.
Match Officials
Referee: Stuart Attwell.
Assistant Referees: Gary Beswick, Darren Cann.
Fourth Official: Robert Jones.
VAR Official: Michael Oliver.
Team News
Manchester United
With a majority of first-team seniors rested for the game against Charlton Athletic earlier this week, Ten Hag is expected to make numerous changes to this starting line-up facing City. Jadon Sancho, Donny Van De Beek, and Axel Tuanzebe remain unavailable for the tie while Diogo Dalot’s availability remains uncertain with the full-back having been substituted in the first half against Charlton as a precaution.
The likes of Casemiro, Raphael Varane, Christian Eriksen, and Luke Shaw, amongst others, are expected to return to the starting lineup, with Ten Hag likely to adopt a proactive approach in a bid to take the competition to the opposition at Old Trafford.
Manchester City
Ruben Dias emerges as the only injured player in City’s squad as he continues to recover from a hamstring issue with Guardiola expected to have a near full-strength team at his disposal. Having granted a rest to numerous first-team regulars before introducing them in a bid to recover from the deficit in their 0-2 loss over Southampton in their EFL cup tie earlier this week, the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva, amongst others, are expected to return to the starting lineup facing Man United.
Match Analysis
With both teams in notable form heading into the tie, Saturday’s clash at Old Trafford is expected to produce a captivating match-up on the pitch. Amongst the most improved team’s this season, Manchester United will be keen on being the dominant side from the first whistle whilst the visitors will be looking for an early breakthrough in a bid to pin the pressure back on the opposition this weekend.
Expected to work towards retaining a healthy share of possession against Man City, the hosts are likely to adopt a proactive yet cautious game plan on Saturday. Having succeeded in consistently finding the back of the net in recent outings, the Red Devils will be keen on exploiting City’s vulnerability in defence whilst remaining compact and tenacious in their defensive organization on the pitch. Moreover, with the visitors expected to retain the bulk of possession, United will be keen on hurting the visitors on the break alongside maximising their potential on set-pieces this weekend.
Meanwhile, having won each of their last three meetings against United, the visitors will be eyeing a compelling three points on Saturday. Although having struggled to keep clean sheets in recent outings, Guardiola’s side will be looking to find an early breakthrough against Manchester United with the team likely to aim in utilising the flanks to create space across the attacking third this weekend. With the midfield expected to remain a competitive and ingenious area throughout the ninety minutes, Man City will be keen on asserting their dominance in a bid to control the flow of proceedings at Old Trafford.
Key Players
Marcus Rashford – Manchester United
Having scored in each of United’s last six outings across all competitions, Rashford’s impact continues to improve the team’s prospects for the season moving into a busy period of fixtures. Amongst the players expected to trouble City’s defence owing to his pace and movement in transition, the forward will be keen on delivering a notable performance and improving on his goal-tally this Saturday.
Erling Haaland – Manchester City
Manchester City’s most potent weapon upfront, Haaland will be keen on delivering a notable performance this weekend. With the striker having already accounted for 21 Premier League goals this season, the Norwegian talisman’s lethal attacking attributes are expected to pose a challenge to United’s defensive line at Old Trafford.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester United predicted lineup vs Manchester City: David De Gea; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw; Casemiro, Fred; Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford; Anthony Martial
Manchester City predicted lineup vs Manchester United: Ederson; Kyle Walker, Manuel Akanji, Aymeric Laporte, Nathan Ake; Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne; Bernardo Silva, Erling Haaland, Phil Foden.
