Man City vs Man Utd: Preview, predictions and lineups

A huge Manchester derby arrives in the Premier League on Sunday as two of the biggest sides in the country meet at the Etihad Stadium.

Posted Sunday, December 15, 2024 by 90min.com

Manchester City's unforeseen and catastrophic downturn in form has been one of the major storylines of the season so far, with their latest defeat arriving in the Champions League as their hopes of reaching the knockout stages took a major blow at Juventus.

Their opponents managed to shake off two defeats in a row by downing Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League, but their standing in England's top flight is in need of improvement as Ruben Amorim plots a charge up the table.

Here's everything you need to know about Sunday's huge Manchester derby.

Man City team news

Lewis scored and was sent off against Palace

City's strong core of defenders is depleted right now, with John Stones and Nathan Ake unavailable for Sunday's derby and Manuel Akanji unlikely to recover in time. Those absences could see 19-year-old Jahmai Simpson-Pusey start a third game this season.

Adding to Pep Guardiola's woes is the suspension picked up by Rico Lewis, who was sent off for two bookable offences in the 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace last week.

Rodri and Oscar Bobb remain on the sidelines with long-term issues.

Man Utd team news

Shaw is United's only current injury absentee

United have a relatively clean bill of health as they attempt to earn a first league win at the Etihad since 2021.

The Red Devils came through Thursday's Europa League win over Viktoria Plzen with no new injury concerns and Jonny Evans could return to the matchday squad to provide head coach Amorim with another option.

Luke Shaw is the only player definitely ruled out as he recovers from his latest fitness setback.

Man City vs Man Utd score prediction

Man City have enjoyed this fixture in recent years but there will be a very different vibe on Sunday, with a huge victory not automatically expected as usual.

The reigning English champions are finding consistency hard to come by and their injuries in the crucial centre-back position will be music to the ears of United's squad.

Amorim has secured a big win against Guardiola already this season when Sporting CP thrashed City in the Champions League. His formation will likely cause an out-of-sync City problems and the Red Devils should be able to secure a share of the spoils.

Prediction: Man City 2-2 Man Utd