MCI vs MUN Dream11 Prediction Premier League 2024-25

The eyes of the football world will be firmly fixed on Manchester this weekend as two footballing giants, Manchester City and Manchester United, prepare to clash in one of the most eagerly anticipated derbies of the season.

PL Fixture: Manchester City vs Manchester United, Premier League 2023-24
Date: 15 December 2024
Kickoff time: 10 PM IST
Venue: Etihad Stadium

Man City vs Man United Match Preview

The stage is set at the Etihad Stadium, where Pep Guardiola’s Cityzens will aim to reignite their faltering campaign against their local rivals, managed by Ruben Amorim, who is tasting the derby atmosphere for the first time. Yet, the Portuguese tactician is no stranger to humbling Guardiola, having orchestrated a memorable thrashing of City with Sporting CP earlier this year.

The usually imperious Manchester City find themselves in unfamiliar territory this season. After a stinging 2-0 defeat to Juventus in the Champions League, where Dusan Vlahovic and Weston McKennie exposed their vulnerabilities, Pep Guardiola’s men are under significant pressure. City’s form is a shadow of its former self, with seven defeats in their last 10 matches across all competitions. Such a slump would often spell disaster for most managers, but Guardiola’s legacy provides him a cushion – for now.

Their domestic form hasn’t been much better. Despite a dominant 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at home, City stumbled again at Selhurst Park, salvaging a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace after coming from behind twice. At present, they cling precariously to a top-four spot, eight points adrift of league leaders Liverpool. Results elsewhere this weekend could even push City out of the Champions League places before they take to the pitch on Sunday.

However, a glimmer of hope lies in their attacking prowess at home, having netted three goals each against Feyenoord and Nottingham Forest in recent games. Yet, defensive frailties remain glaring, with City conceding at least two goals in nine of their last 10 matches.

For Manchester United, the Ruben Amorim era started with a bang, but recent Premier League form has taken the wind out of their sails. Following consecutive losses to Arsenal and a shock defeat to Nottingham Forest, United languish in 13th place. Yet, a spirited Europa League win over Viktoria Plzen, spearheaded by a brace from Rasmus Hojlund, has given fans a reason for cautious optimism.

Amorim’s tactical acumen is evident, as he joined the elite company of Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson by winning his first two continental fixtures as United manager. However, away form remains a serious concern. The Red Devils have failed to win any of their last five Premier League road games and have managed just two victories in their previous 13 league outings away from Old Trafford.

Adding to the challenge, United’s last three trips to the Etihad have ended in defeat. Despite these ominous omens, Amorim can draw on his unforgettable 4-1 thrashing of Guardiola’s City with Sporting CP as inspiration for another upset.

Manchester City Form

Premier League: L L L L W D

All Competitions: L D L W D L

Manchester United Form

Premier League: D W D W L L

All Competitions: D W W L L W

Manchester City Starting XI

Ederson; Walker, Dias, Simpson-Pusey, Gvardiol; De Bruyne, Kovacic; Silva, Foden, Nunes; Haaland.

Man City News

City’s defensive options are heavily depleted. Rico Lewis, who scored a stunning equalizer against Crystal Palace, is suspended after a controversial red card. The injury list is equally concerning: Rodri (ACL), Oscar Bobb (leg), Nathan Ake (thigh), Manuel Akanji (unspecified), and John Stones (foot) are all sidelined.

Guardiola may have to turn to academy prospects Jahmai Simpson-Pusey or Josh Wilson-Esbrand to plug the gaps. Alternatively, a tactical reshuffle to a three-man defense with wing-backs is on the cards. In better news, Mateo Kovacic returned to the bench midweek and could feature in midfield.

Man United Starting XI

Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez; Diallo, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dalot; Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund.

United’s injury woes are minimal by comparison. Luke Shaw remains a long-term absentee after a setback in his recovery from a calf injury, but Jonny Evans is back in training and could make the squad. Amorim is likely to shake up the lineup after underwhelming midweek displays from Joshua Zirkzee and Marcus Rashford.

The electrifying Alejandro Garnacho could start alongside Hojlund, whose physicality and clinical finishing might trouble City’s makeshift defense. Mason Mount is another candidate to join the attacking trident, while youngster Leny Yoro’s inclusion would signal a bold statement of faith from Amorim.

Who will win Man City vs Man United PL fixture?

With both teams battling inconsistency and defensive fragility, the Manchester derby promises goals galore. City’s depleted backline will be under siege from United’s vibrant attack, while Guardiola’s side remains a lethal force in the final third.

Expect fireworks, drama, and a closely fought contest. A 3-2 victory for Manchester City seems a likely outcome, with the hosts taking advantage of United’s fatigue from their midweek exertions and away-day woes. Hojlund and Garnacho could provide sparks for United, but the Etihad faithful may once again witness their team’s attacking brilliance triumph.

Prediction: Manchester City 3-2 Manchester United

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