Man United vs Man City: Match preview, head-to-head, team news, where to watch, prediction

Manchester United host Manchester City in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon, marking interim manager Michael Carrick’s first game in charge.

United were held to a 2-2 draw by Burnley in their last league fixture, before losing at home to Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup third-round.

Since drawing 1-1 with Brighton in the league, City have beaten Exeter City and Newcastle United in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup respectively.

Match preview

United have drawn their last three league games, but are just three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool.

Carrick will be aiming to make United more consistent as they push for a top-four finish, starting with victory over City.

The former midfielder enjoyed success against the Cityzens as a player, winning 13 times — his second best record against any team.

Carrick is expected to stick with his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation. How the system fares against one of the league’s best sides remains to be seen.

City have also not won any of their last three league games and are now six points behind leaders Arsenal.

The Cityzens won the reverse fixture 3-0 with a commanding display and would need a repeat of that in Saturday’s showdown.

Pep Guardiola’s side are expected to dominate possession, while United will look to press aggressively and force turnovers, setting up a potentially exciting contest.

Head-to-head

Across the 28 matches played in the Premier League era between both sides at Old Trafford, United have registered 12 wins, City nine, while seven matches ended in draws.

Team news

United have confirmed the return of Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo to training following their exploits at AFCON. However, Noussair Mazraoui remains away, as Morocco have reached the AFCON final.

Matthijs de Ligt is still sidelined, while Shea Lacey is suspended.

Man City will be without Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, John Stones, Savinho, Kovacic and Oscar Bobb due to injury. Omar Marmoush will be absent due to AFCON.

Where to watch

The match will be shown live on Sky Sports in the UK. Fans can also follow live updates via MUTV, the United App and ManUtd.com.

Prediction

We expect this game to be keenly contested, and therefore predict a 2-2 draw.

Stats from manutd.com & transfermarkt.com

Article written by Henry Thornton .