Game Week 31 Predictions: Manchester City to win at Old Trafford

Man Utd face Man City in a hot derby at Old Trafford. City chase UCL, United seek pride. No Haaland, but Foden and Marmoush shine. City win predicted

Two embattled managers from both sides of Manchester go head-to-head on Sunday, who would come out tops? (Photo credit: GOAL)

 Manchester United vs Manchester City

Old Trafford Stadium

4:30pm

It’s the big one at Old Trafford on Sunday, the battle between two city rivals, one at the top end and the other languishing in the bottom half of the table. There’s a lot at stake, and pride is one of them.

Manchester City’s season has been blighted by injuries, and Manchester United too, but they both have different problems, and how they approach the summer transfer window would tell a lot about their healing process. For now, they’re two underperforming sides who need help.

Champions League football is what matters for the Cityzens right now, and they also have the FA Cup to fight for. However, success in both won’t erase their disappointments of this season. Something must happen in the summer before they lose all the hard work of the last ten years.

For Manchester United, it’s a lot of pain to bear for their fans. There’s no respite; one weekend they’re celebrating a supposed resurgence, and the next, they’re losing again, sinking them into instant despair. It’s a cycle that seems to be endless. Where will their help come from?

Kevin De Bruyne announced in midweek that he is in his last season at Manchester City; it’s quite emotional for all he has done for the club. An outpouring of heartfelt messages followed from all quarters. Will he get some minutes in this one?

Amad Diallo wrote his name on this fixture earlier in the season, scoring a late goal and winning the penalty that handed United the winner. The young lad is injured and could still feature this season; however, who would United turn to on Sunday?

Omar Marmoush has become someone to watch out for; the Egyptian scored in midfield and could well do it again against a troubled United defence. Jack Grealish scored his first goal in a long while too; is his confidence back?

There is no Erling Haaland as he’s recovering from an ankle problem. This means Pep Guardiola would resort to trusting his fleet-footed wingers, and with Phil Foden always coming alive against the Red Devils, is this the fixture that brings him back to form?

Rasmus Hojlund has been among the goals in recent games, but can Manchester United trust him to lead the line? Joshua Zirkzee isn’t firing, and it is why they don’t score lots of goals, especially if Bruno Fernandes isn’t doing it. Who would bail Ruben Amorim out on Sunday?

Verdict: City to win