Defending Premier League champion Manchester City will host arch-rival Manchester United in a Premier League 2024-25 clash at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Pep Guardiola’s City, which has not been at its best this season, comes into the clash after a 2-0 loss against Juventus in the Champions League. In the league, it is fifth with 27 points from 15 matches. However, a win could take City into the top four.
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Manchester United, currently under transition under new manager Ruben Amorim, notched a 2-1 win against FC Viktoria Plzeň in its last match in the Europa League, courtesy of a late winner from Rasmus Hojlund. However, the Red Devils have been far from convincing, as they are still in the early days of the Amorim era.
United currently languishes 13th in the table with 19 points from 15 games. In its last Premier League match, it suffered a 3-2 loss against Nottingham Forest.
Amorim can be confident ahead of the clash, having gotten the better of Guardiola the last time they met. It was Amorim’s penultimate game as Sporting manager, where his team beat City 4-1 in the Champions League.
Despite Man City’s poor form, the Red Devils will need to play at their best if it hopes to take a positive result from the Etihad on Sunday.
Team news
Rico Lewis will miss the derby after seeing a red card in City’s last Premier League clash against Crystal Palace after scoring an equaliser in that match. Rodri (ACL), Oscar Bobb (leg) and Nathan Ake (thigh) will be out till 2025 with long-term injuries, while Manuel Akanji and John Stones should also miss the clash against United.
United’s only confirmed absence for the clash will be Luke Shaw, who recently suffered a setback in his recovery from a calf injury.
Predicted XI
Manchester City: Ederson(GK); Walker, Dias, Simpson-Pusey, Gvardiol; De Bruyne,(C) Kovacic; Silva, Foden, Nunes; Haaland
Manchester United: Onana(GK); Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez; Diallo, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dalot; Fernandes(C), Garnacho; Hojlund
When and where will the Manchester City vs Manchester United Premier League 2024-25 derby kick-off?
The Manchester City vs Manchester United Premier League 2024-25 derby will kick-off at 10 PM IST on Sunday, December 15 at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England.
Where can you watch the Manchester City vs Manchester United Premier League 2024-25 derby?
The Manchester City vs Manchester United Premier League 2024-25 derby will be live telecast on Star Sports Network. The match will also be live streamed on the Disney+Hotstar app and website.
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com