The Manchester Derby Preview: City host United in massive clash

In one of world football’s most heated clashes, Manchester City will reprise their role as favorites against their in-form local rivals Manchester United.

December continues to throw fixtures of critical importance at Manchester City as the two-time defending champions look to remain relevant toward the top of the table. This time, it comes in the form of a huge Manchester Derby at the Etihad, fresh off United’s best performance of the season in a 2-1 win over Tottenham.

After mounting pressure against manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the Red Devils produced an impressive performance to take all three points against former manager José Mourinho at Old Trafford in midweek, and now face one of their stiffest tests of the season.

United are also the only team to take any points away from leaders Liverpool, in a 1-1 draw in October where United led for large stretches. Therefore, City cannot overlook their heated rivals, and the energy of a derby match will give United all of the necessary motivation to put out another top performance.

Anthony Martial is expected to return for this match, and Solskjaer will likely return to the in-form midfield of Fred and Scott McTominay to combine with talisman Marcus Rashford, who netted a brace against Spurs. Paul Pogba remains out of contention until at least the New Year, and City have major injury concerns of their own.

Sergio Agüero will miss the game, which is a huge blow. However, if Gabriel Jesus can maintain the form that saw him bag two goals against Burnley, the Citizens still possess serious danger up top. Aymeric Laporte and Leroy Sané remain out well past the New Year with long-term injuries, and Oleksandr Zinchenko is also a doubt having not played since knee surgery in October.

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Although both sides are not battling for the top honors in domestic football as perhaps they were at the beginning of the decade, the Manchester Derby remains a must-watch on any football calendar.

United took advantage of an abundance of space in the midfield as Spurs pushed their wingers high and wide, something City like to do. City will need to press United hard across the pitch and control possession of the ball, something the Reds will likely concede. City will need to be most wary, however, of the pace of Rashford and Martial exposing a makeshift defense on the break.

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Every game is now of the utmost importance for City, and hosting the Derby will add something extra to a thrilling encounter. To establish that they still belong in the league’s upper echelon and will not let Liverpool run away with the title, City must find a way to secure three points against their in-form hated rivals.

Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United