Match Today: Manchester United vs Manchester City 02-10-2022 English Premier League

Manchester City will face a difficult task when they welcome Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

A new lease on life will be introduced in the Manchester derby as Manchester City prepares to take on a renewed Manchester United which could emerge in the form of a match on the weekend that also saw the North London derby. It has led to some delight.

The Red Devils ignored their initial difficulties with four straight wins, including two excellent games against Liverpool and Arsenal. So the last derby monopoly must finally be challenged by the visitors. Manchester City crushed Wolverhampton 3-0 to flex their muscles ahead of this crucial encounter, and Erling Haaland's explosive performance will make them the favorites.

The Norwegian striker has already scored 11 goals and is far ahead in the Golden Boot race. So the Manchester United defender will have a tough time dealing with Haaland, who will be determined to add to his already burgeoning tally. Cristiano Ronaldo's lack of goals may be a concern for the Manchester United manager, but the Portuguese star always sets the big stage for his consolidation of power, and he could play an even bigger role. Sunday.

While Marcus Rashford was named Player of the Month in September, and with the 2022 FIFA World Cup looming, the England striker will often have to do justice to his talent. With Jadon Sancho also finally breaking his shackles, Eric Ten Hag will have a qualified squad fully capable of doing damage to Manchester City's grounds.

The North London derby cannot come at a perfect time, and Manchester City would be happy to see either side slip on points. The defending champions rub shoulders with Arsenal, who have kept their stronghold in the lead.

The match should throw in some fireworks as the Manchester derby never ceases to impress, and this time too, both managers will engage in a fierce tactical battle. The defending champions suffered a setback as John Stones was disqualified from this match. But Pep Guardiola will finally get his trusted soldier Aymeric Laporte out of a long injury battle, although the Spain international will likely start from the bench. Calvin Phillips will also be on the sidelines after undergoing shoulder surgery, but Manchester City are well-equipped in their department. Midline.

Manchester United scored an astonishing 21 victories at the Etihad Stadium. No other team in the Premier League has done this while playing on a faraway ground.

Manchester City have racked up seven home wins in the Premier League and scored at least three goals in every match. Pep Guardiola has lost three of his four Premier League matches against Manchester United at the Etihad.

The Red Devils are the only opponent he has lost more than two home matches as a coach. Manchester City could win three consecutive league games against Manchester United for the first time since a series of four matches between April 2013 and November 2014. The Red Devils are in danger of suffering their 18th Premier League defeat against City, which equates to their highest league tally. . Defeats against a specific opponent (matching their total against Liverpool and Chelsea.

Ederson Moraes will continue between the sticks, and will be guarded by defensive duo Manuel Akanji and Robin Dias. Kyle Walker should return to the right-back position, and Joao Cancelo will be on the left side of the Manchester City defence. Rodri will act as an additional layer of protection as he strengthens the midfield with his safe display.

Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne will likely be responsible for organizing the attacks and the Manchester United defenders will be on their toes to thwart any kind of attack.

Phil Foden has been impressive so far this season and will start on the right. Jack Grealish has yet to justify his price, but he will have another chance as he will be positioned on the left wing. Finally, Erling Haaland will lead Manchester City's midfield against Manchester United. Harry Maguire is not available for this game, while Axel Tuanzebe and Brandon Williams are both absent for a long time, but Eric Ten Hag confirmed that Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial have resumed training, and the duo will be in contention for The start. David de Gea will be in line for another start and is hoping to get a third clean sheet this season. Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane stand in the last line of defense for Manchester United against Manchester City.