Manchester United vs Manchester City Pre-Match Preview

After a dominant win against Leicester City, the Boys in Blue will be hoping to keep marching on and overcome their bitter city rivals, Manchester United. Like City, United are enduring a very disappointing season, currently sitting 13th in the Premier League. With their coach, Ruben Amorim, under pressure from both the media and fans, a victory here would definitely help win them over. As this derby marks Kevin De Bruyne’s final one, I expect him to feature. I believe this grand occasion will give the Belgian legend that extra bit of motivation to deliver a standout performance.

Will Pep Put His Faith in the Youth?

With exciting talents like Nico O’Reilly and Savinho impressing for City, it’ll be interesting to see whether Pep chooses to go with these youngsters or rely on his more experienced players, hoping their composure and knowledge can help see the game out with minimal fuss. Foden, even though he isn’t having his best season, is still more than capable of delivering, and by now, nobody can question the quality he possesses. He could well feature in this derby, which would mean so much to him, having come through the academy and truly bleeding Sky Blue. If he plays, I’ve no doubt he’ll give it everything.

As for how Pep approaches answers this question, I think he’ll go for a bit of both. I’m hoping/expecting that Khusanov will feature, as his raw physicality and pace could really bolster City’s defence. Maybe O’Reilly could get some minutes too? I’m not entirely sure he’s ready for a game of this stature just yet. He’s definitely good enough, but it’s his lack of experience that places a question mark in my head. On the other hand, I do think Savinho will play, as he brings a directness to City’s attack, loads of energy and the ability to create something out of nothing.

Still, I think the more experienced players like Gundogan, Dias, and De Bruyne will be called upon to steer the ship and keep things steady.

My Preferred Starting XI

This isn’t a predicted line-up, but rather the one I’d choose if I were in Pep’s shoes.

City’s Weak Spot: The Right Side of Defence

On paper, having O’Reilly at left-back, Gvardiol and Dias as the centre-backs, and Khusanov on the right side seems to offer a stronger defence than the one I’ve selected. However, there are two main reasons why I’ve gone a different route.

Firstly, I believe Gvardiol thrives when he plays as a left-back. He’s given the licence to push forward, and once or twice a game he finds himself in genuine goal-scoring positions. In fact, he scored in the last derby. At times, he looks more like an attacker than a defender, and I feel that placing O’Reilly on the left would limit Gvardiol’s attacking impact.

My second reason, which I’ve already touched on, is that experience is more important than flair when you’re trying to leave Old Trafford with three points. O’Reilly could have a great game, maybe even get an assist or deliver a strong defensive showing. But there’s also the risk that he could be exposed by an experienced winger due to his lack of first-team experience. It’s a gamble I wouldn’t take in a match of this magnitude, though I’d consider it against a weaker opponent.

Next season, I fully expect O’Reilly to be ready, but for now, I think he still needs time. Even though Nunes is a defensive liability and gave away a penalty in the last derby, he’s the best option City have at right-back during this injury crisis. I rate him as a midfielder, but his talent is definitely being wasted in defence.

A part of me is hoping Pep plays O’Reilly, which would make the defence stronger on paper and keep Nunes out of the side. But the level-headed side of me is hoping Pep plays it safe. The question is: which one will he go with?

The Portuguese Magnifico: City’s Biggest Threat

Of course, the first name that comes to mind when someone mentions Manchester United is Bruno Fernandes. Arguably the best-performing midfielder in the Premier League this season and all season, he’s been dragging United to victory even when it’s seemed impossible. Without him, they’d be in a far worse position. Bruno has a rare ability to pick out passes most players wouldn’t even dream of, score from outrageous distances, and control the midfield with his creativity and drive.

Sure, he whines and complains a lot, but he leads by example. Honestly, he’d be United’s captain even without the armband. Having scored in the last derby, he’ll no doubt be looking to do it again.

And I have to confess… he’s in my FPL team. I’m sorry, but he’s just too good, a must-have, even against City. I’m hoping this match finishes 100–99 to Manchester City… with Bruno scoring all 99!