On Sunday, the defending English Premier League champions Manchester City host arch-rivals Manchester United in a much anticipated Manchester Derby at the Etihad Stadium. The teams have played 186 matches in all competitions, United winning 77, City 56, and the remaining 53 having been drawn. Among the most successful clubs in England, they have won 94 honours: a record 66 for Manchester United and 28 for Manchester City.
It’s a crucial match for both teams. But they are fighting for different prizes right now in this season. Manchester City are under pressure at the top of the table after Liverpool did not drop any points and City did. It helped the Reds to decrease City’s lead to six points. So, a win against Manchester United is necessary for the Citizens to keep the title race with an advantage for them.
The Red Devils need a win because it will help them to be in the race for the top four. As Arsenal have some games in their hand, United cannot drop any more points. It will affect pretty severely on the top four race.
As only 11 games are left in the English Premier League, just one slip up will strike hard on both teams.
Manchester City had two consecutive wins in all competitions after the last-minute loss against Tottenham Hotspur, which widely opened the title race.
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to lead the Manchester United line when the Red Devils make the trip on Sunday afternoon. Ronaldo has scored 15 times and registered three assists in 30 appearances for the 20-time English champions this season, including nine goals and three assists in 23 Premier League outings. So, his performance will be crucial as always.
Ronaldo has faced Man City on 15 occasions in all competitions during his professional career, boasting a record of nine wins, two draws and four defeats against the Citizens.
The forward has scored five times and registered two assists against Pep Guardiola’s side, with four of those goals coming during his first spell at Old Trafford.
Team News:
Manchester City FC: There are no fresh injury concerns for Guardiola. Jack Grealish has returned to full fitness and scored against Peterborough.
Manchester United FC: Scott McTominay should be back in contention, having recovered enough from illness. Edinson Cavani’s participation remains in doubt as of now.
Head to head (h2h) results:
Man City wins: 56
Draws: 53
Man United wins: 77
Probable line-ups:
CITY’S PROBABLE LINE-UP: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Laporte, Cancelo; Silva, De Bruyne, Rodri; Sterling, Foden, Mahrez
UNITED’S PROBABLE LINE-UP: De Gea; Dalot, Lindelof, Varane, Shaw; McTominay, Matic; Elanga, Fernandes, Sancho; Ronaldo
Match Details:
Date: March 6, 2022.
Time: 4.30pm GMT
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
