Man United vs Man City Premier League preview, team news and prediction

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Manchester United welcome Manchester City to Old Trafford this weekend for the highly anticipated Manchester derby, with Michael Carrick stepping in for his second stint as interim manager .

Carrick faces a daunting start to his tenure, with back-to-back fixtures against local rivals City and, the following week, league leaders Arsenal. United’s recent league form has been underwhelming, managing just three wins in their last ten matches and currently enduring a four-game winless streak across all competitions, following a recent defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion. The timing of Carrick’s appointment could prove pivotal, as the club’s decision to wait until this week has left him with minimal time to implement changes on the training ground.

Despite ranking among the league’s top scorers with 36 goals, United have struggled defensively, registering only two clean sheets all season—a worrying statistic as they prepare to face a Manchester City side boasting the Premier League’s most prolific attack, with 45 goals to their name.

City enter the derby as favourites to complete the league double over their rivals. Pep Guardiola’s side are in outstanding form, unbeaten in their last 13 matches following a win at St. James’ Park. In the league, City have not lost since their 2-1 defeat at Newcastle United in November, winning six and drawing three of their last nine games. The Citizens have also claimed victory in three of the last six league encounters between the two teams.

City will be confident heading into the clash, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Carrick’s impact in his first game back in charge. With United’s defensive frailties and City missing key defenders Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol, an open, high-scoring affair could be on the cards.

Manchester United continue to be without Noussair Mazraoui, who is away at the Africa Cup of Nations, and defender Matthijs de Ligt, sidelined with a back injury. Teenage forward Shea Lacey is also unavailable due to suspension following his late red card in last weekend’s FA Cup loss to Brighton.

However, manager Michael Carrick will have attacking options Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo back at his disposal after both were eliminated from AFCON. Mbeumo, United’s top scorer this season with seven goals, is likely to start on the right wing.

Carrick, expected to stick with a back four, faces some selection decisions—particularly at left-back, where he must choose between Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu. In midfield, Kobbie Mainoo will be hoping to make his first Premier League start of the season, competing with Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount for a place in the lineup.

On the Manchester City side, Josko Gvardiol (tibial fracture), Mateo Kovacic (ankle/heel), John Stones (thigh), Ruben Dias, Oscar Bobb (both hamstring), and Savinho (unspecified) are all out with injuries. Omar Marmoush remains on international duty with Egypt at AFCON.

Antoine Semenyo, who has scored three goals in his last four appearances against United, is a strong candidate to start on either wing for City. Playmaker Rayan Cherki, who found the net in midweek, could be recalled to the starting lineup, potentially at the expense of Jeremy Doku.

At the back, Max Alleyne has impressed since returning from his loan at Watford, winning 92% of his duels for City this season (12 out of 13), including all six aerial contests. The 20-year-old could be rewarded with another start at centre-back alongside Abdukodir Khusanov.

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