Game Week 4 Predictions: Manchester Derby to end in stalemate?

Manchester derby at the Etihad: City seek to avoid early slump while United chase consistency under Amorim. Expect goals, drama, and high stakes.

Erling Haaland and Bryan Mbeumo both have work to do to drive their teams forward on Sunday, which of them will steal the show at the Etihad? (Photo credit: GOAL)

 Manchester City vs Manchester United

Etihad Stadium

4:30pm

Ladies and gentlemen, this is the Manchester derby! Manchester United are visiting their neighbours in a game that means so much to both sides; we expect fireworks.

Why is this one important? Three points will be crucial to both sides as they try to climb up the Premier League ladder. With Arsenal and Spurs winning on Saturday and Liverpool having a relatively easier fixture at Burnley, they both don’t want to chase big gaps.

Manchester City has lost twice already, and, like it happened last season, where they fell off badly with strings of losses, they won’t want to go nine points behind as early as game week four, while Manchester United, with no European football excuses, cannot afford to sink to another despair.

Manchester United lost 2-0 on this ground to Tottenham and then failed to close out a lead against Brighton just before the break, losing 2-1 having led 1-0. Pep Guardiola insists his side is up for the title challenge, and that means they cannot lose this one.

Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United still hasn’t won back-to-back Premier League games since he joined the club, losing 15 of the 30 games he has managed. That ominous stat must improve from now on; this is his chance to win two games on the spin. He can’t afford to let it pass him by.

Manchester City has reported few players injured. Omar Marmoush came back from the internationals with an injury, while John Stones couldn’t play for England. Ryan Cherki is unavailable due to injury too, leaving Giardiola short as he was at some points last season.

Matheus Cunha is the only doubt for this game for Manchester United. The Portuguese pulled his hamstring against Burnley before the break, and scans reveal it’s not as bad as first feared, so he’s expected back in the fold soon.

With Cunha unavailable, is it time for Amorim to send Benjamin Sesko on from the start? In the game against Burnley, Amorim chased a win with a switch, pushing Amad Diallo closer to the box, and it earned them a last-gasp penalty. Will he trust his team to attack from the start?

Erling Haaland is still the man to fear upfront. The inconsistent Manchester United defence must be wary of the Norwegian who scored five times in one game for his country over the break; he will hope to get on the score sheet once again.

United won this game last season with a late show; they aren’t exactly the favourite for this one, but they weren’t last season either, so the Cityzens must be careful. A draw won’t be a bad result for either side, but if they both want to compete for the title, they must win this one to send out signals.

Verdict: Both teams to score.