Man City predicted line-up vs Man Utd - nine changes for Manchester derby

Manchester City could make several changes to their team for Saturday’s Manchester derby.

The Blues underwhelmed in midweek during the 2-0 loss to Southampton, as they crashed out of the Carabao Cup. But it wasn’t just the result that will concern Pep Guardiola, it was his side’s disjointed display, with City failing to produce a single shot on target.

It’s why the City boss may consider wholesale alterations against a Manchester United side who are perhaps the league’s most in-form club at present. In nets, Stefan Oretga Moreno is expected to drop out after he was culpable for Southampton’s second goal on Wednesday.

Guardiola also deployed a peculiar back four on the south coast of Kyle Walker and Aymeric Laporte at centre-back, flanked by Joao Cancelo and Sergio Gomes. We’re tipping Guardiola to drop three of those and revert to a similar defence which has started recent Premier League matches.

The City boss confirmed on Friday that John Stones won’t be involved in the weekend derby. The former Everton man was deemed not fit enough to play at Southampton and has not recovered in time for the visit of United, while Ruben Dias is likely to miss out with a hamstring problem.

In midfield all of those who played against Southampton may have to settle for a place on the bench. Kalvin Phillips, in particular, was disappointing on his first start for the club. Phil Foden also played in the middle in the Carabao Cup quarter-final, but he’s been far below his usual standards since returning from the World Cup.

His poor run of form has coincided with improved displays from Jack Grealish, who could keep his place from midweek and start on the left wing. Erling Haaland is also likely to come into the side up front.

Here’s how we think City will line-up at Old Trafford...