Manchester Derby Preview: How big is Aguero’s absence?

Manchester Derby Preview: How big is Aguero’s absence?

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The two Manchester clubs prepare to put their perfect records on the line as United welcome City to Old Trafford for the first Manchester Derby of the season.

There has been a heavy focus on the battle between managers Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola, as the pair get set to lock horns in the Premier League for the first time.

Both sides enter the match having taken nine points from their first three games, with United coming off a 1-0 win against Hull City thanks to a late Marcus Rashford strike.

Meanwhile, City comfortably accounted for West Ham 3-1 at home, led by a rejuvenated Raheem Sterling who grabbed himself a brace.


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Key Battle – The Managers

In one of the most anticipated Manchester Derbies in recent memory, Mourinho and Guardiola are set to face off again, with the pair both making record starts at their new clubs. The ledger between the pair currently sits at 7-3 in Guardiola’s favour in 16 meetings.

United’s victory at Hull meant Mourinho became the first manager to win their opening four games in charge of the Red Devils, while City’s win saw their new manager become the first man to win their opening five games in charge of the club.

Both managers are set to face their toughest challenge yet this season and many questions remain heading into the match. Spaniard Guardiola faces the tough task of filling the void left by Sergio Aguero, who will miss the match through suspension. For Mourinho, this question remains: will he stick with the tried and trusted that have United placed nicely in the early stages of the season?

Team News

Henrikh Mkhitaryan remains in doubt for the home side after picking up a knock to his arm while on international duty with Armenia. Elsewhere for the home side, there remains questions over full-back Antonio Valencia’s spot in the lineup with the Ecuadorian international not expected to arrive back until Friday London time. In arguably the best piece of news for the United faithful, Luke Shaw is expected to take his place in the starting lineup despite withdrawing from England commitments.

For City, star striker Aguero is set to miss the first of his three matches through suspension after being found guilty of violent conduct. Summer signings Claudio Bravo, Ilkay Gundogan and Leroy Sane could all make their debuts for the club with the German pair recovering from injury. Full-back Bacary Sagna has also made a full recovery from a hamstring injury.

Manchester United Expected XI: De Gea (GK); Valencia, Bailly, Blind, Shaw; Pogba, Fellaini; Rashford, Rooney, Martial; Ibrahimović.

Manchester City Expected XI: Bravo (GK); Zabaleta, Stones, Otamendi, Clichy; Fernandinho, Silva, Delph; Sterling, Nolito, De Bruyne.

Head-to-Head

The meeting at Old Trafford will mark the 172nd Manchester Derby contested between the pair. If the visitors can take the three points it will result in their 50th win against the Red Devils, although they still trail United who have won 71, with 51 draws between the two sides.

Previous Meeting

The party continued for young striker Rashford when the pair met in March earlier this year. The 18-year-old netted the winner in United’s 1-0 win at the Etihad as he became the youngster ever player to score in the derby.

Prediction

The match is sure to be an exciting one with plenty of talent on either side, with both teams possessing players who could swing the momentum in an instant. City have a good record at Old Trafford in recent seasons, winning three of the past five matches away from home. United, meanwhile, will be quietly confident of taking advantage of a Manchester City defence yet to keep a clean sheet this season.

Both sides will be desperate for the three points as they look to build a lead away from their neighbours in the early stages of the season in the race for the title.

Manchester United 2 Manchester City 1

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