Now the norm, Manchester City head into a derby with arch-rivals Manchester United as strong favourites as they chase down an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League trophy. An emphatic 6-2 victory over Luton in the FA Cup midweek, which saw dynamic duo Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland combine for four goals, sent an emphatic warning to the rest of the Premier League as City’s unbeaten run reached 18 games across all competitions (W16, D2).
Remarkably that’s not been enough to put Pep Guardiola’s men on the summit, as they remain a point adrift of leaders Liverpool ahead of the round. There’ll be no panic at the Etihad Stadium yet though, especially as City are unbeaten on home soil since November 2022 (W30, D5). And while the visit of United always creates a unique atmosphere around these parts, winning five of the last six derbies (L1) should have the home faithful full of confidence.
Manchester United have become accustomed to entering the derby as big underdogs, but a long injury list, particularly in defence, combined with the fact they’ve conceded ten goals on their last two trips to the Etihad will have the visiting fans worried. Defeat here would only serve to compound their misery after they went down 2-1 against Fulham in the Premier League last weekend – a result which has reduced their room for error as they hunt down the top-four.
That was their tenth defeat of the league season – their most at this stage of a season since 1989/90! That’s left United eight points adrift of the Champions League places, so under-fire manager Erik ten Hag will hope his squad are emboldened by a midweek FA Cup victory against Nottingham Forest which made it six successive away victories across all competitions – their longest such run in five years.
Players to watch: Striking sensation Haaland netted a staggering five times against Luton in midweek – the same number of goals he had a direct hand in against United on this ground last season when City won 6-3 (G3, A2). Marcus Rashford looks set to continue leading the line for the Red Devils and will be looking to build on an impressive personal record at the Etihad in the Premier League (W4, D1, L3).
Hot stat: Man Utd have conceded just three away goals in the first-half of Premier League matches last season – they shipped four in this fixture alone last term.
MCI vs MU first half link isnt working. Are there any issues?
It’s fine..
Can you give us screenshot of error??
Today’s players should strike the ball towards the goal further out , outside the penalty box even . 5:37 Man U #17 breakaway should have struck the ball at goal outside or just inside the box
7:37 As i said in the previous comment that’s what i like to see . MU’s Rashford banging the back of the net from outside the penalty box