The 197th edition of the Manchester derby will take place at the Etihad on Sunday afternoon, when Manchester City host Manchester United.
Both clubs have endured a troublesome start to the season, with City languishing in the bottom half, and United flattering to deceive once again, especially after a shock cup exit.
Ruben Amorim’s win over City as United manager last season was a rare victory against a non-newly-promoted side, because the 3-2 win over Burnley last time out was just his eighth in 30
games in charge, and four of them have come against newly-promoted clubs.
In the other 25 matches, Amorim has won just four, a ratio of 16%, and even against the Clarets, they were fortunate, needing a 97th-minute penalty from Bruno Fernandes to clinch a 3-2 win – the fourth-latest winner on record the club has scored.
United have taken 58 shots in the Premier League so far – 14 more than any other side – but they have still needed a helping hand in front of goal, because they have become the first club in the history of the division to see both of their first two goals of the season be own goals, matching the tally of own goals scored in their favour across the last two seasons combined.
United have also been struck down with a number of injuries in recent weeks, because Matheus Cunha, Diogo Dalot and Mason Mount will all miss Sunday’s derby.
That leaves the door open for Benjamin Sesko to make his full Premier League debut, after playing back-to-back 90 minutes for Slovenia during the international break.
Senne Lammens has arrived in the hope of sorting Man United’s problematic goalkeeper position, but Amorim has confirmed that Altay Bayindir will start this one, after Andre Onana’s loan move to Trabzonspor.
Premier League schedule
It’s a late afternoon kickoff in the UK, which means a 11:30 a.m. kickoff on the East Coast of the U.S.
Premier League channel
The match is on Sky Sports in the UK. Those Stateside can watch on Peacock. In Canada, it’s on DAZN, Fubo or Amazon Prime Video.
Everyone else, head on over to LiveSoccerTV to find your viewing options.
Predicted Lineup
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
Bayindir; Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw; Mazraoui, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Sesko, Amad
