The Manchester derby is one of the most-watched games in all of football, and the first of the Premier League season has arrived.
Manchester United visit rivals Manchester City today (Sunday 2 October) as the away side look to narrow the gap to the title pack, entering this game in sixth place in the table.
FOLLOW LIVE: Teams and all the action as Man City play Man United in the Premier League
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola’s City come into this match in second spot, four points behind Arsenal with a game in hand, and will be looking to strengthen their reputation as title favourites.
City are unbeaten in the league so far this term and most recently breezed past Wolves with a 3-0 away win, while Erik ten Hag’s United have won their last four in a row, beating Arsenal 3-1 in their last domestic outing before enduring mixed fortunes across two European ties.
Here’s all you need to know.
When is it?
The Manchester derby will kick off at 2pm BST on Sunday 2 October, at the Etihad Stadium.
How can I watch it?
The game will air live on Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event, with subscribers also able to stream the action live on the Sky Go app and the broadcaster’s website.
What is the team news?
John Stones will not step out for Man City after sustaining an injury during England’s draw with Germany this week. The only other likely absentee for City was expected to be Stones’ fellow defender Aymeric Laporte (though the centre back seems to be closing in on a return to the pitch), but central midfielder Rodri is not in the matchday squad.
Meanwhile, United coach Ten Hag had this to say on Friday (30 September): “The situation is Harry Maguire is injured. I think for the rest we have some doubts with Anthony Martial, but he was training all week with the group so I’m really happy with that situation. [Marcus] Rashford returns to training, so we are also happy with that and for the rest only long-term injuries like Axel Tuanzebe and Brandon Williams.”
Confirmed line-ups
Man City: Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Ake, Cancelo; Silva, De Bruyne, Gundogan; Foden, Haaland, Grealish.
Man United: De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Malacia; McTominay, Eriksen, Fernandes; Antony, Rashford, Sancho.
Odds
Man City – 1/3
Draw – 9/2
Man United – 7/1
Via Betfair.
Prediction
Man United have turned around their form just in time for this huge fixture, but City’s class should trump that, as the saying suggests. Man City 3-1 Man United.
