Manchester United should go in pretty confident against City who are very likely to focus mostly on the Champions League. Even though they are known for being among the few clubs that finish strong, their involvement in the end stages of the Continental competition will weigh heavily. LVG’s side could take advantage of this situation and start their 9 game marathon with a very important win. Every Premier League duel left out of this season will be a final and starting out with a win should be a major boost.
Even with massive lot problems Manchester United look like favorites. City have been struggling during the past couple of weeks. They lost to Leicester, Spurs and Chelsea. They lost against Liverpool as well and seem to have focused their attention elsewhere than the Premier League. Looking at the way they handled all competitions it looks like the Champions League is now their main focus. United on the other hand need to figure out if they can get in the top 4 or if they want to settle for the FA Cup. Honestly, they should be able to do both with a bit of luck.
In terms of lot, both sides will have deal with some important absences. City might be the ones with bigger problems as De Bruyne, Delph, Nasri and Kompany are unavailable. The Belgium internationals have had a massive impact on the way the team performed so their unavailability will influence the game. Otamendi is also doubtful and might not be on the starting line-up list.
Manchester United look set even with Herrera, Jones, Rooney, Young and Shaw still unavailable. They performed well and adapted to the endless injuries that affected the lot this season. Rashford is getting better and better, Martial is improving and the defense is working well. Jones and Borthwick-Jackson are doubtful as they seemed fatigue after their last games.
According to the BBC LVG sees this game as the starter of what could be this season’s salvation run:”I hope City is the catalyst. We have to beat City and we have a chance to still qualify [for the Champions League].”
When it comes to statistics, the overall numbers are in Manchester United’s favor. With 70 wins, 49 losses and 51 draw games, the Devils are looking for their 71st success.
Predicted Manchester United Starting XI:
Predicted Manchester City Starting XI:
