Man United v Man City match preview
Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot has talked up the derby against Manchester City before the neighbours meet again in the Premier League on Sunday.
“There’s the history, the rivalry,” Dalot told United’s website, describing the contest as one “everybody wants to play in”. “That makes it special.”
United returned to action after the international break with a meek 1-0 defeat at third-placed Nottingham Forest on Tuesday and start the weekend seven points off the top half of the table.
“We have to recover well because the games are coming fast,” warned Dalot. “At the same time, we’re going to play one of the best games you can play in the Premier League, so that has to give you a little extra when you come on to the pitch.
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“Sometimes – no matter the form, no matter the previous results – when you go to a derby… anything can happen. Every United fan who comes to Old Trafford on Sunday will expect that something special can happen.”
City’s immediate build-up to the 196th Manchester derby has been dominated by iconic midfielder Kevin De Bruyne’s announcement on Friday that he will leave the club at the end of the season.
The implications of De Bruyne’s last derby, however, could be felt after his departure, with City a point clear of sixth-placed Newcastle and embroiled in a tight race to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Following their 2-0 home win over Leicester City on Wednesday, the reigning champions can leapfrog fourth-placed Chelsea if they better the Blues’ result away to Brentford on Sunday (14:00 BST).
Manchester United v Man City team news
United could welcome back England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo following a two-month injury absence but Netherlands defender Matthijs de Ligt is set to miss out after he sustained an ankle injury during the first half at the City Ground.
Centre-back Lisandro Martinez is out for the season and defenders Ayden Heaven, Luke Shaw and Jonny Evans are unlikely to feature.
Amorim says United will manage the minutes given to injury-plagued midfielder Mason Mount, who sent a late shot from distance narrowly wide after coming on as a substitute at Forest.
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City are hopeful that top scorer Erling Haaland will return this season after suffering a foot injury against Bournemouth in the FA Cup last Sunday.
Defenders John Stones, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake and midfielder Rodri remain out but wideman Oscar Bobb made his first appearance since August by coming off the bench against Leicester.
Man United v Manchester City expected line-ups
Manchester United starting XI: Onana; De Ligt, Maguire, Yoro; Dalot, Fernandes, Ugarte, Dorgu; Garnacho, Hojlund, Zirkzee
Manchester City starting XI:Ederson; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol O’Reilly; Gonzalez, Gundogan, Grealish; Doku, Marmoush, Savinho
How to watch Man United v Man City: Live stream, TV channel
Kick-off on Sunday is at 16:30 and fans in the UK can tune in live on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra.
Live streaming is available on a vast variety of devices via the Sky GO app.
