With 29 points from 11 games Pep Guardiola’s unbeaten champions are flying high at the top of the Premier League table. City are two points clear of Chelsea and Liverpool and nine ahead of seventh-placed United.
However, the Red Devils’ 2-1 Champions League victory in Turin against Juventus on Wednesday will give Jose Mourinho’s side great hope that they can secure a result at the Etihad. Last season United shocked City after coming back from 2-0 down to win 3-2.
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Former United striker Andy Cole believes the win in Turin is a huge boost for Mourinho’s men. Quoted by the Daily Star, Cole said: “To come away with a win, it’s a big result, especially with the derby at the weekend.
“Everyone will be buzzing with that result. It’s a major, major boost and Jose Mourinho will be delighted.”
City out for revenge
French defender Aymeric Laporte says the Premier League leaders have revenge on their minds after that 3-2 loss against United back in April.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the 24-year-old said: “There’s always a feeling of revenge any time you lose against any team. We are always ready to compete and need to take advantage of the good momentum of the team at the moment.
“It’s a very important match for two reasons... because it’s the Manchester derby and also because if we win we will put distance between ourselves and them in the table.”
Team news and possible starting XIs
Man City team news
Belgian playmaker Kevin De Bruyne is ruled out because of a knee ligament injury but midfielder Ilkay Gundogan and central defender Nicolas Otamendi are fit for Sunday’s derby. Goalkeeper Claudio Bravo remains a long-term absentee.
Man Utd team news
Speaking at his pre-match press conference Mourinho confirmed that striker Romelu Lukaku was back in training after missing the Juve clash.
The United boss told Sky Sports: “Lukaku is training with the team. If the answer is positive - and we have of course one more session [on Saturday] - he is ready. In this moment I can only say that he trains with the team.”
There are injury doubts over captain Antonio Valencia, midfielder Marouane Fellaini and defender Diogo Dalot.
Possible starting XIs
The Daily Express predicts how Man City will line up at the Etihad while Goal.com predicts United’s starting XI.
Man City (4-3-3): Ederson; Walker, Kompany, Laporte, Mendy; B. Silva, Fernandinho, D. Silva; Mahrez, Sterling, Aguero
Man Utd (4-3-3): De Gea; Young, Smalling, Lindelof, Shaw; Herrera, Matic, Pogba; Lingard, Martial, Sanchez
How to watch the Manchester derby on TV
Sunday’s clash between Man City and Man Utd will be shown live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event. The match kicks off at 4.30pm and Sky’s coverage starts at 4.15pm.
(Image credit: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Manchester derby predictions
Mark Lawrenson, BBC Sport: “United fans might be optimistic because of their win at the Etihad towards the end of last season, but I don’t see that happening again. I don’t see City winning either, though. I usually always fancy them so much to win at home, but with United being so resilient, I am going to go for a draw. Prediction: 1-1.”
Steve Jennings, Squawka: “City haven’t scored three goals in a Manchester derby since a 3-0 win at Old Trafford in March 2014. But the hosts are absolutely flying at the Etihad this term, and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see them hit United for three or more.”
Anis Bazza, William Hill: “We forecast a win to nil victory for the boys in blue. Shutting down Anthony Martial - who has five goals in his last four league games - will be key to any chance of grabbing a clean sheet. Prediction: Man City 2-0.”
Betting odds
Prices according to Oddschecker, as of 9 November.
Man City to win: 2/5
Draw: 9/2
Man Utd to win: 15/2
Correct score odds
Man City 2-0: 8/1
Man City 2-1: 17/2
Man City 3-1: 10/1
Man City 1-0: 10/1
Draw 1-1: 10/1
Man City 3-0: 10/1
Man City 4-0: 17/1
Man City 4-1: 18/1
Draw 2-2: 18/1
Man City 3-2: 22/1
Man Utd 2-1: 22/1
Draw 0-0: 23/1
Man Utd 1-0: 28/1
Premier League fixtures and TV guide
Saturday 10 November (3pm unless stated)
Cardiff City vs. Brighton & Hove Albion (12.30pm, live on Sky Sports)
Huddersfield Town vs. West Ham United
Leicester City vs. Burnley
Newcastle United vs. Bournemouth
Southampton vs. Watford
Crystal Palace vs. Tottenham Hotspur (5.30pm, live on BT Sport 1)
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