Manchester United and Manchester City go head to head on Sunday.
Manchester United and Manchester City have no time to return to the rhythm of Premier League football in a closely contested derby just after the international break. As Eric Ten Hug and Pep Guardiola prepare for their blockbuster duel, We presents a predicted Starting XI from the Pep’s side
Goalkeeper – Ederson
United fans can argue that David De Gea is seen as the better shot-stopper, but City’s Ederson definitely brings the better overall package.This Brazil The man is strong enough to fend off threats, but he does his best to keep the ball at his feet.
The 29-year-old is now in his sixth season as a Blues regular for Sky and has made over 35 Premier League appearances in each of his last five seasons. His exquisite left foot not only helps him play from behind City, but has also provided him with assists in two leagues since joining from Benfica in 2017. Eric ten Hag and Pep Guardiola prepare for the first Manchester derby as bosses of opponents (Image:Getty)
Defense – Cancelo, Diaz, Varane, Marasia
‘I want to stay’ – Norris sees McLaren title success in ‘the next few years’
Lando Norris is aiming for the Formula 1 World Championship with McLaren in the “next few years”.
João The Portuguese star has risen in his preferred side and is perfect at right-back, despite his cancelo playing more regularly at left-back. 2020/21 Premier League Player of the Year winner Ruben Diaz forms half of City’s deeply divided defense.
Pedigree-wise, it’s far less decorated than back-to-back Champions League winner and world champion Raphael Varane in 2018. This Frenchman is one of Ten Hag’s favorites. We have developed a strong partnership with a certain Lisandro Martinez. But summer acquisition Tyrell Marathia has not, as City lack a natural left-back, making way for the Flying Dutchman.
Midfield – De Bruyne, Rodri, Eriksen
Although Casemiro has an enviable trophy cabinet and is in his element anchoring the midfield, Rodri has consistently performed at an extremely high level in the Premier League for more than three seasons. The Spaniard seems to get better and better, while he’s at his best when flanked by two attack-minded maestros.
Kevin De Bruyne’s inclusion will spark no debate with the Belgian comfortably one of the best players in the Premier League. The metronomic Christian Eriksen, who is already such an influential figure at Old Trafford, completes the trio with another Ten Hag stalwart in Bruno Fernandes just falling short.
Attack – Sancho, Haaland, Foden
Erling Haaland has 14 goals in his first 10 Man City games – not much else needs to be said with regard to his inclusion in the combined XI. The wings are a closely-contested area between the two sides, but City golden boy Phil Foden is already terrorising opposition defences and should continue to improve.
Jadon Sancho’s United career is yet to hit top gear but he’s a technically gifted player that is steadily improving, which allows him to edge out the likes of Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish. There’s no place for Ten Hag’s marquee £84million summer recruit, Antony, who still has to prove his worth in the Premier League.