Manchester United vs Manchester City: Preview & Prediction

All eyes will be on Old Trafford on Saturday lunchtime as Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola renew their rivalry when Manchester United host Manchester City in the Manchester derby.

A subplot in the anticipated fixture will see United manager Mourinho come up against his City counterpart Guardiola, in what will be their inaugural meeting in the Premier League.

The Mancunian neighbours will be aiming to preserve 100 per cent records, having both won their opening three games of the season for only the second time, the first being in 2011/12.

After securing maximum points away to AFC Bournemouth and at home to Southampton, a solitary goal in injury-time from Marcus Rashford edged Mourinho’s men past Hull City at the KCOM Stadium, prior to the international break.

Meanwhile, City continued their perfect start to life under Guardiola a day later, defeating West Ham United 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium – a victory that enhanced the feel good factor that has returned under the stewardship of the Catalan.

A brace from Raheem Sterling, either side of Fernandinho’s header confirmed the Sky Blues’ place at the summit of the top-flight going into the clash.

In their previous three league outings, City looked to have fully found their feet under Guardiola, following some efficient performances, domestically and in European competition.

The derby, which will be contested for the 172nd time come kick-off on Saturday, will not define the eventual champions come May, but it could provide the bragging rights and momentum for one half of the city.

United secured the points in the last derby, after Rashford’s strike decided the outcome at the Etihad Stadium in March, during a 1-0 win for the Red Devils.

Team News:

United were boosted after Mourinho confirmed that midfielder Marouane Fellaini will be fit for the Old Trafford showpiece after recovering from a back injury.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan will also return in time for the derby. The midfielder was a doubt when he injured his thigh on international duty with Armenia.

Jesse Lingard could return for the anticipated early kick-off, having recently returned to training.

Antonio Valencia and Marcos Rojo could also be absent due to returning late from South American World Cup qualifiers, while full-back Luke Shaw is expected to be fit after a calf complaint that forced him to withdraw from the recent England squad.

As for City, Guardiola will have to contend without forward Sergio Aguero. The Argentine will serve the first of a three match suspension for violent conduct following an incident with West Ham United defender Winston Reid last Sunday.

Kelechi Iheanacho is therefore poised to start up front in place of the suspended Aguero at Old Trafford.

Leroy Sane is available for selection after recovering from a hamstring problem, while Ilkay Gundogan could make his debut after a prolonged time out with a knee issue. Bacary Sagna is also fit for the derby following a hamstring injury.

Despite training, centre-back Vincent Kompany will sit out the game as a precaution due to a thigh injury sustained in pre-season.

Guardiola revealed on Friday that new £17m signing Claudio Bravo will start in goal, in what will be his first start since his summer arrival from FC Barcelona.

League Positions: Manchester United – 3rd (9pts); Manchester City – 1st (9pts)
Last Meeting: Manchester City 0-1 Manchester United – (March 20, 2016)
League Form: Manchester United – WWW; Manchester United – WWW
Key Men: Manchester United – Zlatan Ibrahimovic; Manchester City – Raheem Sterling
Shoot Says: Manchester United 1-1 Manchester City