Quite possibly the single most hyped English derby of all time will take place on Saturday, as Jose Mourinho and his Man United side welcome Pep Guardiola’s Man City to Old Trafford.
Whilst the former Chelsea manager has brought the fear factor back to the wounded Red Devils, their rivals from across town have undergone a major overhaul at the hands of their new boss.
The smart money would be on both sides being up their battling it out for the title come the end of the season, so there is much more than just bragging rights on the table this weekend, it is rare to have such an important game so early, but that is what fans are being treated to.
Both sides have been firing on all cylinders in the opening rounds of the Premier League, with three wins from three each, but now comes the real test.
Neither United or City have faced a real test so far this season, although Hull gave Mourinho a scare the Red Devils rarely looked like conceding, so the two respective managers will need something special to take the win at the weekend.
Here at Shoot! we’ve already told you who Pep Guardiola should drop, but that means there are places up for grabs, here are THREE players that the Spaniard needs to give a chance to on Saturday…
Kelechi Iheanacho
Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.
The 19-year-old has not stopped impressing for Man City since making his first-team debut in August 2015, and is set to lead the line in the place of the suspended Sergio Aguero on Saturday.
The Nigerian international is one of the most exciting young strikers in the Premier League, arguably only pipped by United’s Marucs Rashford, and when given the chance by Guardiola will show that he is more than ready to earn a more permanent spot in the first team.
Nicolas Otamendi
Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.
The Argentine defender hasn’t had the easiest of rides since making the move to The Etihad from Valencia last year, but is begging to show signs of improvement.
Despite being slightly at fault for West Ham’s only goal in City’s 3-1, and giving his manager a fair few scares on the sideline, a goal on international duty in midweek, as well as his physicality mean that the 28-year-old deserves the chance of a longer stint in the team. He may just be the man to keep Zlatan and Co. at bay, you never know.
Aleksandar Kolarov
Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.
The Serbian international has been in and out of Guardiola’s squad this season, also being utilised as a centre-half at times as well.
However, the 30-year-old still has a lot to offer as a full-back, whether that be defensively or going forward. His main competition, Gael Clichy, has to take most of the blame for West Ham’s consolation goal before the international break and the Sky Blues can’t afford any slip ups come Saturday. Time to give the former Lazio man a run in his proper position, Pep.