Manchester, Sep 8: The first big match of English Premier League 2016/17 is set to happen between the two fierce rivals Manchester United and Manchester City at the iconic Old Trafford on Saturday (September 10). [EPL : Schedule of Game week 4]
The fierce battle between the two city rivals intensifies due to the presence of Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola whose rivalry is not unknown to the world of football.
The Pep-Mourinho rivalry began when the Portuguese manager was in charge of Real Madrid from 2010-2013 and the Spaniard was at the helm of affairs at FC Barcelona.
Since then it has been only bad blood between the two master tacticians. This managerial rivalry totally spices up this season's Manchester derby.
Both the clubs welcome back their players from a long international back. While United can boast of a fully fit squad at Mourinho's disposal, Pep Guardiola will miss the services of star forward Sergio Aguero, who is serving a ban imposed by The FA.
Time: 5:00 PM (IST)
Venue: Old Trafford
Channel: Star Sports Networks
Team News
Jose Mourinho will be extremely happy as he will get a fully fit squad at his disposal against his bitter rival Pep Guardiola on Saturday.
All the players are back to training from the international break and are ready to give their 100% in the derby match.
Left-back Luke Shaw has a minor muscle injury but the English international is expected to start against the Cityzens. The only absentee in this match would Henrikh Mkhitaryan who is suffering from a thigh contusion.
On the other hand, all is not well in the Pep Guardiola camp as the Argentine international and star striker has been ruled of the game due to ban imposed by the governing body.
Aguero was found guilty of elbowing West Ham United defender Winston Reid last to last week. Aguero's absence will come as a huge blow to Manchester City.
While Aguero's ban would hamper Pep's tactics, the coming back of Ilkay Gundogan and Leroy Sane will be a huge boost for him.
Gundogan, who was suffering from a gruelling knee injury from the beginning of the season, is finally back in shape and is ready to make his competitive debut.
Probable squads
Manchester United: David De Gea, Sergio Romero, Antonio Valencia, Eric Bailly, Daley Blind, Luke Shaw, Chris Smalling, Ashley Young, Paul Pogba, Marouane Fellaini, Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney, Anthony Martial, Ander Herrera, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Morgan Schneiderlin, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Marcus Rashford.
Manchester City: Claudio Bravo, Willy Cabalero, Pablo Zabaleta, Nicolas Otamendi, John Stones, Aleksandar Kolarov, Bacary Sagna, Gael Clichy, Fernandinho, David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Raheem Sterling, Kelechi Iheanacho, Nolito, Jesus Navas, Fabian Delph, Leroy Sane.
Manchester United predicted line up
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper: David De Gea
Defenders: Antonio Valencia, Eric Bailly, Daley Blind, Luke Shaw
Midfielders: Paul Pogba, Marouane Fellaini; Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney, Anthony Martial
Striker: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Manchester City predicted line up
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: Claudio Bravo
Defenders: Pablo Zabaleta, Nicolas Otamendi, John Stones, Aleksandar Kolarov
Midfielders: Fernandinho, David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne
Strikers: Raheem Sterling, Kelechi Iheanachi, Nolito
Key players
Manchester United
Zlatan Ibrahimovic: The superstar striker will make his debut in the Manchester derby. Zlatan was bought from Paris Saint-Germain for a free transfer and he has proved to be a deadly signing for the Red Devils.
The striker has already scored 3 goals in first 3 matches and is off to a flying start. Zlatan's presence upfront will be a huge boost for United against their rivals Manchester City.
Eric Bailly: The Ivory Coast international defender was bought this summer and has proved to be a deadly signing already for Manchester United.
Bailly has provided the much needed solidarity in United's backline. Bailly will be an important against the strong Manchester City attack force.
Manchester City
Nolito: The Spanish international was brought in this summer from Celta Vigo to bolster Manchester City's attack force.
Pep Guardiola has Utilised Nolito extremely well on the right wing. In absence of Sergio Aguero, Nolito will play a vital role for Pep's side.
Fernandinho: This low profile Brazilian central midfielder has been brought to fame by Pep Guardiola since his arrival at the club.
In Pep's strategy Fernandinho plays an important role at heart of the midfield. The Spanish manager often changes his 4-3-3 formation to an attacking 3-4-3 formation where the 'inverted full-backs' concept.
Fernandinho mostly plays a deeper role in the midfield in front of the two central defenders. Thus, the midfielder will play a vital role against Jose Mourinho's counter-attacking football.
Prediction
Manchester United 2-2 Manchester City
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