With this being one of
the most celebrated fixtures in English football, it’s odd to see
so little riding on it. For United, a win against City would help to
keep them moving towards a UEFA Champions League spot once again. For
City, a win would be ideal to help close the gap to Liverpool once
again. However, with both teams likely having their focus across
multiple competitions still, it’s hard to see this having the
intensity of previous derby games.
Manchester United news
After a 1-1 draw with
Everton last weekend, the Red Devils could do with a win to get them
back in flowing form. They’ve been strong in the league recently,
having overcome a run of results that had put them firmly out of
contention for the top four previously in the season.
With Chelsea faltering
recently, United could do with putting together a consistent run of
results. Their last league games have given them an impressive run of
results, though, with United only drawing to Wolves and Everton
recently.
In terms of injuries,
expect Dan James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka to miss out.
Manchester City news
The Citizens are in a
good place themselves, having seen off Sheffield Wednesday with
relative ease in a 1-0 win in the FA Cup in midweek. Having got a
chance to rest some players and to come at United fully refreshed,
it’ll be interesting to see how City get on.
The Blues have been in
strong form recently, beginning to look far more like their old
selves. Having won at the Santiago Bernabeu, too, Pep Guardiola and
co. are likely looking at continuing a very impressive run of recent
results.
Verdict
Score draw. Both teams
will go for it, but with focus more on other things for both teams to
an extent it’s hard to see it being the usual high intensity we
come to expect. It should be a good game, but it won’t have the
intensity we usually associate with such a high class derby.
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