Game Week 16 Predictions: Manchester City to beat Manchester United

Manchester City vs. Manchester United: City seeks redemption in a derby clash as both sides battle poor form. Can Guardiola outsmart Amorim ?

Manchester City and Manchester United both need the wind behind them, can this be the beginning of something great for them? (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

 

Manchester City vs. Manchester United

Etihad Stadium

5:30 pm

Manchester City can profit from Arsenal and Liverpool’s slip-ups when they face their city rivals Manchester United on Sunday.

The champions have only secured a single victory in their past ten games, a feat that is both unprecedented and unfathomable. However, Pep Guardiola and his team must seize this opportunity to improve their performance.

Manchester United isn’t in a good place either; this makes it a fascinating fixture as new manager Ruben Amorim continues to look for solutions to the challenges in his squad. While they’re going into this fixture on the back of a win in Europe, the manner of the win gives the Portuguese something to ponder.

United left it late on Thursday as they came back from a goal down to beat Victoria Plzen 2-1. Amorim was concerned at how his lads prosecuted the game, and he couldn’t hide his disdain. It’s a different ball game against City on Sunday; he must be ready.

Manchester City settled for a 2-2 draw at Palace last week, while Manchester United lost at Old Trafford to Nottingham Forest. The latter has usurped the Cityzens on the Premier League table after beating Aston Villa on Saturday. The champions can’t afford to slip up again.

How will they approach this? The pressure is on the hosts, and it might be time to ask serious questions of Erling Haaland, who seems to have forgotten how to get a goal. He was anonymous in the midweek loss at Juventus, a result that has put their continued participation in Europe in jeopardy.

Manchester City will be without Rico Lewis, who was sent off at Palace last week, but Oscar Bobb is nearing full fitness, and that might mean well for the champions. Kevin De Bruyne is regaining his rhythm, which should be beneficial.

Guardiola anticipates the return of Matteo Kovacic is alongside Ilkay Gundogan in midfield, and Bernardo Silva and KDB are expected to fill the other positions behind Haaland, while Jeremy Doku Phil Foden and Savinho will fight for the flanks.

United manager Amorim continues to find the right balance, but Onana is expected to keep his place in goal despite his recent gaffes. Nasir Mazraoui is probably the first name on the team sheet, and the likes of Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund have played themselves into reckoning.

Verdict: City is to win.