United and City face off in Manchester derby.
Manchester United vs Manchester City kicks off at 12:30 [GMT] on Saturday, January 17, at Old Trafford.
Manchester United and Manchester City renew hostilities at Old Trafford in a derby that arrives with both sides searching for rhythm rather than dominance. The reverse fixture in September was one-sided, with City running out 3-0 winners. United will be keen to avoid an unwanted slice of history by failing to score in both league meetings with their neighbours for the first time since the ill-fated 1973-74 season. Recent derby trends strongly favour the visitors. Manchester City have won more Premier League away matches at Old Trafford than any other side, claiming nine victories, while only Liverpool have scored more goals at the stadium than City. United, meanwhile, have struggled badly for goals in home derbies, failing to score in four of their last five league matches against City, including the last two in succession. Another blank would mark their worst home scoring run against the Citizens in more than a century. Form-wise, both teams arrive in an unusual position. Manchester United have drawn each of their last three Premier League games [LWDDD], their longest run of stalemates since 1992. The 7th-placed side could appear with a 4—2—3—1 formation with Benjamin Sesko in attack. Michael Carrick, who will be taking up his first match following a return, will be without the suspended Shea Lacey.
Second-placed Manchester City are only six points adrift of league-leading Arsenal as they head into Saturday’s clash with the Red Devils. By contrast, they have generally been more reliable, though even they have shown cracks recently, dropping four points across their last two matches after surrendering just five in their opening 19 games of the campaign. Manchester City [WWDDD] have drawn each of their last three Premier League games, last having a longer run of consecutive draws in October/November 2009 (7). In addition, this will be the first meeting between two sides both on a run of 3+ consecutive Premier League draws since February 2001. On the pitch, the individual battles are compelling. Erling Haaland has been a constant thorn in United’s side, directly contributing to 11 Premier League goals against them – more than any other City player. His last visit to Old Trafford saw him score twice and assist once, underlining his capacity to dominate this fixture. Phil Foden has also enjoyed success against United, with seven league goals, though he has found Old Trafford a tougher venue. Both will be looking to make a mark in Saturday’s Manchester derby. Haaland is expected at the attacking end of City’s 4—1—4—1 formation.