The Manchester derby last time out saw the red side secure a shock victory over their blue rivals. This time around, though, it's hard to see a surprise Manchester United win happening.
Bruno Fernandes is brilliant, isn't he? The first signing in years that has made all United and non-United fans drool with excitement. He has hit the ground running and has been pivotal in the upturn in form under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Since Fernandes arrived, Manchester United are unbeaten and have played some great stuff, but they are still 7th with Wolves and Sheffield United above them. Qualifying for the Champions League would show progress under Solskjaer but it is always difficult to see him doing anything right. They are only three points off 4th but this game looks set to be a loss. Their Europa League draw has been kind to them so reaching the quarter-finals seems likely so there is another way for United to qualify if not done through the conventional route.
City's first silverware of the season was won last week. The league is out of sight but the Champions League remains a possibility. It is because of freak losses to teams like Manchester United that Pep Guardiola won't retain the Premier League. Against United, City were undone on the counter attack as they were incredibly passive in possession, lacking a killer edge in the first meeting. They got their revenge with a wonderful 3-1 win at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup semis but lost to 1-0 in the second leg with a similar performance to the home league fixture. United have posed City some problems this season but if you look at the teams on paper and the level either can reach, Manchester City are the favourites.
Kevin de Bruyne has arguably been the best player in the league this season but he is a doubt for today's match. Any side will miss the quality he brings but City have ample replacements with David Silva or Ilkay Gundogan or Bernardo Silva ready to deputise. Harry Maguire is back for United but the worries lie with Dan James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka potentially missing from the squad. James has gone off the boil since about August but nonetheless always carries a threat with his pace and Wan-Bissaka's performances have improved of late, his crossing getting better by the game. United will set up on the counter attack and if James isn't available, that is a big loss.
I will always be a United sceptic while Solskjaer is in the dugout no matter how well they play. David de Gea is also a cause for concern in goal which will not add confidence to a fragile defence. City have the best squad in the league and have been brilliant recently. I can only see Manchester City winning.
2-1 Manchester City.
Bruno Fernandes is brilliant, isn't he? The first signing in years that has made all United and non-United fans drool with excitement. He has hit the ground running and has been pivotal in the upturn in form under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Since Fernandes arrived, Manchester United are unbeaten and have played some great stuff, but they are still 7th with Wolves and Sheffield United above them. Qualifying for the Champions League would show progress under Solskjaer but it is always difficult to see him doing anything right. They are only three points off 4th but this game looks set to be a loss. Their Europa League draw has been kind to them so reaching the quarter-finals seems likely so there is another way for United to qualify if not done through the conventional route.
City's first silverware of the season was won last week. The league is out of sight but the Champions League remains a possibility. It is because of freak losses to teams like Manchester United that Pep Guardiola won't retain the Premier League. Against United, City were undone on the counter attack as they were incredibly passive in possession, lacking a killer edge in the first meeting. They got their revenge with a wonderful 3-1 win at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup semis but lost to 1-0 in the second leg with a similar performance to the home league fixture. United have posed City some problems this season but if you look at the teams on paper and the level either can reach, Manchester City are the favourites.
Kevin de Bruyne has arguably been the best player in the league this season but he is a doubt for today's match. Any side will miss the quality he brings but City have ample replacements with David Silva or Ilkay Gundogan or Bernardo Silva ready to deputise. Harry Maguire is back for United but the worries lie with Dan James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka potentially missing from the squad. James has gone off the boil since about August but nonetheless always carries a threat with his pace and Wan-Bissaka's performances have improved of late, his crossing getting better by the game. United will set up on the counter attack and if James isn't available, that is a big loss.
I will always be a United sceptic while Solskjaer is in the dugout no matter how well they play. David de Gea is also a cause for concern in goal which will not add confidence to a fragile defence. City have the best squad in the league and have been brilliant recently. I can only see Manchester City winning.
2-1 Manchester City.
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