Both managers have gambled with their team selections, which one will be successful?
Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero (L) and Manchester United forward Romelu Lukaku (Photo: AFP)
Manchester United host Premier League leaders Manchester City in what promises to be an enthralling 175th edition of the Manchester Derby on Sunday at Old Trafford and the lineups for the summit clash have been revealed.
Here’s how #MUFC line up for this afternoon’s derby clash! #MUNMCI pic.twitter.com/XSx9vqPsz4
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 10, 2017
Advertisement
United manager Jose Mourinho, contrary to expectations, has named an attacking line-up with Romelu Lukaku starting at the tip of a 4-2-3-1 formation with Jesse Lingard, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford all lining up behind him.
Paul Pobga is suspended and Marouane Fellaini is still injured, which means Ander Herrera partners Nemanja Matic in midfield with Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young featuring as fullbacks.
Marcos Rojo’s partner in the heart of the United defence is Chris Smalling, while David de Gea starts in goal.
Team News | How City line-up for the 175th #manchesterderby!
Presented by @haysworldwide #utdvcity pic.twitter.com/WGSjoi5iIx
— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 10, 2017
Pep Guardiola has sprung a surprise in his team selection, benching star striker Sergio Aguero in favour of Gabriel Jesus, who is flanked by in-form wingers Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling at the front of their 4-3-3 formation.
Fernandinho, Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva start in their three-man midfield, while Fabian Delph and Vincent Kompany have shrugged off injury concerns to start alongside Nicolas Otamendi and Kyle Walker at the back.
Summer signing Ederson, who has been impressive in goal, retains his place between the sticks.
Trailing City by eight points, United cannot afford to drop points at home and will look to grab a smash-and-grab as their team looks suited to hit their expressive opponents on the counter.
Pep Guardiola’s City, who have been churning out close wins of late, will need to be in top form to beat their derby rivals and are favourites to clinch three points but with so much on the line, neither side will make it easy on the other.
Manchester United: De gea, Valencia (c), Smalling, Rojo, Herrera, Matic, Lingard, Martial, Rashford and Lukaku.
Manchester City: Ederson, Walker, Otamendi, Kompany (c), Delph, Fernandinho, De Bruyne, Silva, Sterling, Sane and Jesus.
Match kicks-off at 16.30 GMT/2200 IST.
Advertisement
