Premier League holders Manchester City take on arch-rivals Manchester United at the Etihad on Sunday. Both sides go into the fixture desperate to claim local bragging rights.
Man City will be looking to take a huge step towards repeating as league champions, having lost just one of their last 15 games in all competitions. Conversely, Ralf Rangnick's Red Devils will be eager to get back on track on their rivals' home turf, following a disappointing scoreless draw at home to relegation-threatened Watford last weekend.
In the last five derbies between the two in all competitions, Man City and Man United are tied in terms of results with two wins each in addition to a draw. Bound to provoke plenty of intrigue worldwide, this promises to be a closely fought encounter that could have sizable consequences at the top of the Premier League table.
Man City and Man United both possess world-class quality in the offensive department, but it's arguably on the defensive end where the difference will be made in this specific meeting.
How to watch Man City vs. Man United
- Date: Sunday, Mar. 6
- Time: 11:30 a.m. ET
- USA TV channel: USA Network, Telemundo
- USA streaming: fuboTV
- Canada streaming: DAZN
Sunday's game at the Etihad Stadium will be available on USA Network (English) and Telemundo (Spanish) in the USA, and both networks are streamed on fuboTV, which is available to new users via a free trial.
In Canada the Premier League is streamed exclusively live and on demand on DAZN.
Man City vs. Man United predicted lineups
Man City will have prominent absentees in the defensive department, as Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Ruben Dias will not be available for the home clash due to a hamstring issue which could keep him out for four to six weeks. Nathan Ake will also be on the sidelines due to injury.
Cole Palmer and Zack Steffen are doubts for the match, but were unlikely to play any part against the Red Devils even if fully fit. Kyle Walker could come into contention at right back, with John Stones likely to move back into a central position at the heart of the defense in light of Dias's absence.
Phil Foden will be looking to keep up his recent form and build on his brilliant assist for Jack Grealish against Peterborough United in midweek.
Man City predicted starting lineup (4-3-3): Ederson — Walker, Stones, Laporte, Cancelo — Silva, Rodri, De Bruyne — Sterling, Mahrez, Foden.
As for the visitors, Ralf Rangnick could call again on combative midfielder Scott McTominay who has recovered from a recent illness, while veteran striker Edinson Cavani will be available for limited minutes as he recovers from a groin problem.
Jadon Sancho should come back into the starting lineup, as the Reds look to find the creative spark that was severely lacking at Old Trafford against Watford. Cristiano Ronaldo once again looks to be the candidate to spearhead the Man United forward line.
Man United predicted starting line-up (4-2-3-1): De Gea — Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Varane, Telles — Pogba, McTominay — Sancho, Fernandes, Elanga — Ronaldo.
Man City vs. Man United betting odds, pick & prediction
All odds courtesy of DraftKings
Man City will be relying on Foden to continue his excellent form, with the 21-year-old likely to start the game in a central attacking role. Riyad Mahrez is always one for the big occasions and could well get himself on the scoresheet, as he constantly provides a major threat down the right-hand side when cutting in onto his favored left foot.
Raheem Sterling has great positional awareness in the penalty area and will be on hand to provide his expertise in front of goal should the chances fall his way.
Cristiano Ronaldo's past experience on plenty of winning sides in the Manchester Derby will come in handy, but he will in turn need to rely on his attacking teammates for appropriate service, which has been lacking at times.
Jadon Sancho could be that man. The former Borussia Dortmund man has been a shining light for the Red Devils recently due to his positive performances. Could he come back to haunt his former club at his old stomping ground on Sunday?
Pick: Riyad Mahrez first goalscorer (+330)
- Moneyline: Man City -240 / Draw +390 / Man United +650
- Spread: Man City -1.5 (+115) / Man United +1.5 (-135)
- O/U 2.5 total goals: Over -175 / Under +140
- Both Teams To Score: Yes -130 / No +100