UNITED-CITY DERBY CLASH A SEASON DECIDER?

Derbies remain one of the highlights of the Premier League with the excitement it offers.


Manchester United vs. Manchester City meeting is one of such, and it is coming early in the season – fourth EPL game. The pedigree of the two managers, Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola brings more to the table as the expectations from both ends are very high. One Derby United would not forget in a hurry is the 6-1 demolition by City in 2011 – making Man United’s biggest loss in half a century.

Sergio Aguero has been suspended from the game, leaving Nigerian international Kelechi Iheanacho as the lead striker. There is the option of Nolito though. United have a strong attack this term, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic in front, leaving Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial as support in the flanks. There’s also wonderboy Marcus Rashford as super sub. There’s an in-form David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and a revitalized Raheem Sterling to do the job in the absence of Aguero.

Anthony Valencia might not be on duty in the right-back position, but Eric Baily and Daley Blind partnership might continue. John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi are set to be in action, as skipper Vincent Kompany is yet to return to full fitness.

Guardiola might start new buys Ilkay Gundogan and Leroy Sane in the game, as many have high hopes that the game is more than a derby. United legend Paul Scholes opines that the match could be a season decider, following all that is at stake despite being so early in the season. The battle on who would continue at the top, the battle for prestige and confidence and a lot more would be decided after the international break. The game is set for Saturday, September 10, and it could really be the league decider.