In an exciting Premier League matchup, Manchester United and Manchester City will square off in the 189th Manchester derby on Saturday at noon at Old Trafford.
Team Form
Man United
Since their defeat by City, Man United has had much to be happy about. Erik ten Hag has led his team on an impressive run of form, losing only one of their past 18 competitive games (a 3-1 setback at Aston Villa in early November) and winning all six of their games since the World Cup break.
The most recent victory for United was in the EFL Cup, where they advanced to the semifinals with a 3-0 home victory over Charlton Athletic on Tuesday night.
The Red Devils have already won 20 of their first 27 competitive games under Ten Hag, who needed fewer games than any other manager in club history to accomplish this milestone.
Man United has accumulated more points (35) than any other team since and including their 2-1 victory over Liverpool on August 22. During this time, they have won 11 of their 15 matches and presently sit fourth in the Premier League rankings, level on points with Newcastle United in third.
However, Man United’s overall performance and recent success at home—where they have won nine straight games and recorded seven clean sheets—make them strong favorites going into Saturday’s match.
Man United PL Form: W L W W W W
20 – Erik ten Hag has won 20 of his first 27 games in charge of Man Utd, the fewest games taken to reach 20 competitive wins by any manager in the club's history. Dreams. pic.twitter.com/Txlbqh6fz7
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 11, 2023
Man City
Many would have assumed that Man City would easily defeat Southampton in the EFL Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday night after cruising to a 4-0 victory over Chelsea in the FA Cup third round last weekend.
The Saints defeated the Citizens 2-0, though, and the Citizens were without a shot on goal for the entire 90 minutes for the first time in 275 games since a 3-0 Champions League defeat to Liverpool in April 2018.
The defending champions of the top division have seen their usually high standards slide a little in recent weeks. They have lost eight points in as many league games and have failed to score in four of their last seven away games overall.
However, Guardiola’s team will look forward to traveling to Man United on derby day after winning nine of their previous 14 matches, including their notable 6-1 league victory in October 2011.
Man City PL Form: W W L W D W
Manchester City managed ZERO shots on target vs. Southampton ? pic.twitter.com/tQzQdT3ZNG
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 11, 2023
Squad Report
Man United
While Donny Van de Beek and Axel Tuanzebe are ruled out due to injury, Ten Hag is optimistic that Man United right defender Diogo Dalot will be able to play on Saturday after being substituted in the first half against Charlton with a hamstring issue.
Jadon Sancho is also unlikely to play because he is still working on his fitness regimen. Still, Ten Hag can welcome back playmaker Bruno Fernandes, who was suspended for the victory over Charlton and will likely play with Casemiro and Christian Eriksen in midfield.
Man City
While John Stones, a fellow center-back, was not fit to play against Southampton, he should be ready to start at Old Trafford for Man City. Ruben Dias is still out with a hamstring injury.
Kyle Walker’s inclusion will probably result in his return to right-back after a surprise start in the center against the Saints.
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Eriksen; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Martial
Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Ederson; Walker, Stones, Akanji, Ake; De Bruyne, Rodri, Bernardo; Mahrez, Haaland, Grealish
Pep is plotting for the Manchester derby ? pic.twitter.com/RUBSBowtzX
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) January 11, 2023
Head to Head
Since their first encounter in a non-competitive game in 1881, the two adversaries have met 188 times in all competitions. Man United leads with a 77-58 advantage in victories over opponents and as many as 53 games ending in draws.
Man City has defeated the hosts in three of their last four encounters, including a stunning 6-3 victory in the reverse matchup in October.
Time, Date & Venue
Date: Saturday, January 14
Time: 12:30 pm, BST
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
Prediction
The Red Devils have preserved a clean sheet in their previous five home Premier League games, but in their last three encounters with visitors, they have given up 12 goals. Since October, they have only lost once in all competitions, so they should perform well.
The Citizens will be looking to get back on track after their shocking 2-0 loss to the Saints in the EFL Cup. They have won four of their last five encounters against the hosts, dominating the proceedings recently.
With that in mind, we anticipate a high-scoring tie between the two clubs.
