Pep Guardiola will be aiming to continue his impressive record at Old Trafford, when Manchester City make the short journey to their near neighbours on Sunday.
The Blues have won four out of six matches at the ground under Guardiola’s watch, while he’s won seven of 10 visits in all competitions. City are heavy favourites once again, even if Manchester United approach the game on the back of a three-match winning streak. That’s a better recent run than City’s, although the performances haven’t always been in keeping with the results for United.
Meanwhile, City could drop as low as fifth before Sunday’s derby, depending on results elsewhere this weekend. But there’s no sense of panic from Guardiola, who doesn’t feel that the result at Old Trafford will have a huge bearing on the champions’ final position in the table.
“It is a game not like an FA Cup final or last games of the season that defines winning or not the Premier League,” he said on Friday. “Still we have only played nine fixtures and there are 87 points to play. We have to be focused.”
“United always have been - it doesn’t matter the manager - always they are a tough opponent,” Guardiola added. “The qualities of the individuals they have, the stadium, the character they have, the momentum. They can score goals, we know the quality they have.”
To combat United’s threat, Guardiola may slightly adapt his tactical set-up this weekend, especially given the Red Devils’ pace on the break. The City boss also rested five players in midweek, which gives a hint of his plans for Sunday’s game.
Here’s the starting XI we think Guardiola will pick against United…
1. GK: Ederson
Didn’t play in the last league match but returned in midweek.
2. RB: Kyle Walker
One of three players who didn’t play at all against Young Boys, and the right-back is expected to return.
3. CB: John Stones
In the same boat as Walker, and returned recently after an injury-blighted start to the campaign.
4. CB: Ruben Dias
Almost certain to start at the heart of defence.