The 196th Manchester derby is a key Premier League match in gameweek 31. Both Manchester United and Manchester City, giants of English football, are looking to improve after сезонов that haven`t met their high standards. Manchester United, playing at home, are mainly playing for pride and might be thinking about their Europa League quarterfinal game on Thursday in Lyon. This Europa League campaign is potentially their only route to European football next season as they are currently in the lower half of the Premier League table.
For Manchester City, the stakes are higher in their remaining games. Without their main striker, Erling Haaland, for a significant part of the rest of the season, the current champions are trying to stay in the top five to ensure Champions League qualification for next season. They started well without Haaland, winning 2-0 against Leicester City in their midweek game. However, this derby against United will be a tougher challenge for Pep Guardiola. Guardiola has a strong record at Old Trafford in the league, winning five out of nine matches already, a league record. A sixth win here would give City strong momentum as they approach the end of the season.
Manchester United vs. Manchester City: Predicted Starting Lineups
Manchester United: Andre Onana; Noussair Mazraoui, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro; Diogo Dalot, Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Patrick Dorgu; Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund
Manchester City: Ederson; Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Nico O`Reilly; Ilkay Gundogan, Mateo Kovacic, Kevin de Bruyne; Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Omar Marmoush
Last Match Recap
Their previous meeting at the Etihad Stadium wasn`t a high-quality game for most players, but one player made a significant impact. After being down 1-0 due to a first-half goal from Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Amorim brought on Amad Diallo, and the young forward changed the game. First, Diallo won a penalty which Bruno Fernandes converted to equalize. Then, he ran onto a through ball and scored from a difficult angle, stunning the home crowd at the Etihad.
Manager`s Comments
Manchester United Manager (Amorim): Despite losing to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, which marked United`s ninth defeat in 19 Premier League games under him, Amorim believes the team is showing progress. He stated, “It`s been similar since the season began. I think if you watch our games, we are improving in our style of play. We are creating more opportunities and controlling games more often.“
He added, “But ultimately, when you don`t win, you feel it, and that`s positive. We understand this season will have its ups and downs. We need to focus on the next game.“
Manchester City Manager (Guardiola): After securing back-to-back wins against Premier League teams for the first time since early January – defeating Bournemouth in the FA Cup and Leicester in the league – Pep Guardiola knows it’s crucial for his team to maintain this momentum. With teams like Newcastle United and Aston Villa also performing well, and Nottingham Forest competing for a top-five spot, alongside Brighton and Bournemouth hoping to close the gap, every game is critical.
Guardiola emphasized, “Eight games are remaining. Every game is vital.“
Key Storyline: Alejandro Garnacho`s Shooting
Since Amorim became Manchester United`s manager, Alejandro Garnacho is among the top players in the Premier League for shots per 90 minutes, averaging 3.28. Interestingly, Erling Haaland is not among the players who shoot more frequently. However, despite taking many shots, Garnacho`s expected goals (xG) per 90 minutes is relatively low, ranking 66th, at just 0.22. This is only slightly better than what Manchester City`s defender Gvardiol achieves from left-back.
The reason for this? Garnacho tends to shoot whenever he sees an opportunity, regardless of whether it`s a good chance or not, even if he`s off balance or facing a defender. Out of 155 players who have taken at least 10 shots since Amorim`s arrival, Garnacho`s shot accuracy ranks 128th. While his willingness to shoot is not necessarily a bad thing for a young player of 20, it is somewhat concerning that his six shots against Forest on Tuesday resulted in less than half the xG generated by Harry Maguire, who played as an additional forward at times.
Player Spotlight: Jack Grealish
Jack Grealish made a notable return to Manchester City`s Premier League starting lineup, scoring his first league goal in over a year. This performance gives him a platform to build upon. He was deployed in a role similar to his position before joining City, as a number 10 who can control the ball, drive forward, and take shots. Although he only took two shots in the game, it was a strong performance from the 29-year-old. The question is whether he will get the chance to build on this, especially with Phil Foden also vying for a place in the team.
Match Prediction
Manchester United, especially at Old Trafford, tend to put up a fight against City, even in defeats. However, expect Manchester City`s overall quality to prevail in the end.
Prediction: Manchester United 0, Manchester City 1
