Man City XI vs Man Utd: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news and injury latest for Premier League game

Evening Standard

·12 December 2024

Man City XI vs Man Utd: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news and injury latest for Premier League game

Champions have won just once in their last 10 games across all competitions going into the Manchester derby

Pep Guardiola and Manchester City don’t have long to reflect on yet another defeat as they host Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

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For many reasons, this is shaping up to be the most highly-anticipated Manchester derby in recent years given the form both sides are in.

City have now tasted victory just once in their last 10 games across all competitions after losing 2-0 away at Juventus on Wednesday night, a result that makes it an uphill battle to seal a top-eight finish which comes with a bye to the last 16.

Though that’s likely to be the least of Guardiola’s worries presently as he must figure out a way to arrest this poor run of form starting with the visit of Man City’s local rivals this weekend.

Of course, the Spaniard has already pitted his wits against new Man Utd head coach Ruben Amorim this season and it didn’t end well with Sporting CP thrashing the reigning Premier League champions 4-1.

Now, on a positive note for Guardiola, there are no fresh injuries to report from the Juventus loss.

This alarming dip in form can be linked to persistent injury issues with City boss recently bemoaning that he was without seven potential starters for the 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace last weekend.

Pep Guardiola is overseeing a nightmare run of form as Man City boss.

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However, there will be an enforced change in defence as Rico Lewis is suspended following his red card at Selhurst Park. Ideally one of John Stones, Nathan Ake or Manuel Akanji return from injury which would allow Josko Gvardiol to move to left-back.

Otherwise, youngster Jahmai Simpson-Pusey might be required to start the biggest game of his career to date given the injury crisis in defence.

Stefan Ortega may replace Ederson in between the posts whilst Mateo Kovacic and Phil Foden - who has a great scoring record against Man Utd - could also return but there are question marks over their fitness having not been used off the bench against Juve.

Predicted Man City XI: Ortega; Walker, Dias, Simpson-Pusey, Gvardiol; Gundogan, Silva, De Bruyne; Foden, Doku, Haaland

Doubts: Stones, Ake, Akanji

Injured: Rodri, Bobb

Suspended: Lewis

Time and date: 4.30pm GMT on Sunday 15 December 2024

Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester

TV channel and live stream: Sky Sports