One of the most important matches of the Premier League season is coming soon. The Manchester Derby, the highly anticipated clash between neighboring rival clubs Manchester United and Manchester City, is about to take place.
The matchup is one of the best rivalries in the Premier League, and though the Citizens have dominated in recent years, it is still watched by fans around the world. However, this match will be a bit less exciting, with both teams missing a lot of star power.
Manchester Derby injury report
Both Manchester teams will be missing some serious firepower, with a lot of players from both sides injured currently. While both teams still have some depth, they will regret not being able to field many key players, especially in a big game like the Manchester Derby.
The Red Devils are certainly the team at a major disadvantage, as they don’t have much quality depth and have been doing poorly in the league. They will miss a lot of defenders, which will make City’s forwards hungry for goals.
United will miss Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Aaron Wan Bissaka, and Tyrell Malacia, all of them having been out for some time through injuries. Youngsters Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo are also out with injuries. But United fans and manager Erik ten Hag are still waiting to see if star midfielder Casemiro will be fit for the game. Already having suffered from injury for quite some time, he is a major doubt for the game. Jadon Sancho is also absent, as the club has suspended him.
City may not have a few players on the pitch, but Pep Guardiola’s side will still be lucky to field a very strong side tomorrow. They will mostly miss star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, who has been injured for a long time.
Defender Manuel Akanji will also miss the game through suspension, as he received a red card in the last game against Brighton. Phil Foden is also a major doubt for the game due to a small injury issue, but he could still feature in the lineup or bench. Julian Alvarez is also somewhat expected to miss the game, though Foden can come back. He will be much needed, as he has been performing greatly for the citizens in recent days.
Manchester Derby H2H stats, last meeting
The last time the two sides faced each other in the Manchester Derby was in the FA Cup last season. It was the first ever Manchester Derby in the cup final, and it was won by the blue side of Manchester 2-1. Current Barcelona star Ilkay Gundogan scored both goals, while United’s Bruno Fernandes scored a penalty.
The two teams also have a lot of history, dating back to 1881. The current and only reliable head-to-head statistics of the two teams have existed since the inception of the Premier League.
According to SportsMole, the Manchester Derby has been played 190 times over the years, with United completely dominating their neighbors with 78 wins. City have 59 wins but could catch up in the next few years, as they have won the fixture the last four times. There has been a draw on 53 occasions.
The next Manchester Derby will take place tomorrow at Old Trafford, with both teams looking to win to further themselves in the Premier League table.
