Can the Citizens cause further problems for the Red Devils?
It’s time for the first Manchester Derby of the new PL season, with the hosts in sky blue clear favourites. After a break for international football, all eyes are now back on the domestic leagues, and Sunday’s big game at Etihad Stadium is definitely one to watch this weekend!
What to expect from Man City
Guardiola will head into this match without Cherki, who suffered an injury recently and is out until November, and Kovacic is still out, with Marmoush also ruled out with a knee injury. There are a few other players that might be back, though, including Gvardiol, Foden and John Stones. Pep will also be able to pick a brand new goalkeeper for this match, as Donnarumma is ready to step in between the posts after his transfer from PSG.
The season hasn’t started quite how the Blues would have liked, and they are coming from two straight losses in the league, against Spurs at home and Brighton away. Man Utd are now desperate to hand Pep his third league loss in a row, while at the same time putting their poor performance against Fulham behind them with a second consecutive win after beating Burnley in their previous match.
Pep will take some comfort having seen his star striker score 5 goals in his last game during the WC qualifiers, and Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Reijnders is a formidable midfield trio. Dias and Stones will likely start in central defense, with Ait-Nouri and Lewis on the fullbacks.
Man City haven’t quite seemed like themselves the last 6 months. They struggled during the CWC and got knocked out by Al-Hilal in the Round of 16, and they also lost the cup final to Crystal Palace back in May. Add to that the two losses already this season, and you’ll see why Liverpool and Arsenal are bigger favourites to lift the league trophy at the end of the season.
PS: Don’t forget that we also have Early Payout on this match, with Man City currently at 1.70 and Man Utd at 4.25.
Could this be a turning point for Pep’s City or will Amorim’s men ensure Sunday’s derby becomes another disappointment for the home supporters at Eithad Stadium? Man City are favourites, but this does feel like a match that could swing both ways, with a small moment of brilliance from either side possibly the deciding factor. Considering this, Cunha’s possible absence for Man Utd seems extra unfortunate for Amorim’s side, as he has been one of the brightest sparks in a Man Utd team that continues to leave their supporters frustrated.
On that note, let’s take a look at what we can expect from this Sunday’s visitors!
What to expect from Man Utd
We recently looked at the chances of Amorim turning things around at Man Utd, and fortunately for the Portuguese manager they did manage to grab a 3-2 win in their next match against Burnley. They now have Man City away on Sunday before they host Chelsea, so a good result in the Manchester Derby could be vital, both for the season as a whole and for Amorim’s future at the club.
As mentioned, Cunha is uncertain, but he hasn’t been completely ruled out from Sunday’s derby yet, even dropping some hints he could be back himself. Mason Mount and Diogo Dalot are also being assessed due to injuries, with the former being substituted during the break against Burnley and Dalot having to withdraw from the Portugal squad during the international break.
The Red Devils were surprisingly impressive in their season opener against Arsenal, despite losing 0-1 in the end, and after a disappointing draw against Fulham they finally got their first win of the season against Burnley before the international break. A win against their Manchester rivals wouldn’t just be a huge moral boost for the team, but it would also give them the bragging rights and lead to Man City’s 3rd straight loss in the league, which only a year ago seemed unheard of.
A lot will depend on the injury struggles for certain key players, especially Cunha and Mount. Should Cunha be out, chances are high that Sesko will get the nod from start here, with Fernandes and Mbeumo behind him. Dorgu and Amad could start on the wingbacks, with Mainoo/Mount and Casemiro in the central midfield positions. Amorim is expected to start with Bayindir in goal, though some supporters will probably hope to see their new signing Senne Lammens between the posts even with the match in question being the Manchester Derby. Shaw, de Ligt and Yoro are expected to start in central defense.
Could this be the game where Sesko gets his first goal for his new club? The Slovenian is currently at 3.60 to score in the derby.
Predictions
We think we might see some goals in this match, so the over 3.5 goals at 2.42 seems interesting, while a draw at 4.15 also looks like an interesting choice for a game where both teams will be desperate to avoid defeat.
No matter the outcome, we’re certain there will be plenty of drama on Sunday when Man City and Man Utd once again clash in the Manchester Derby!
Last Updated: 11.09.2025
Odds might have changed since the writing and/or publication of this article.
