Nathan Ake, John Stones and Manuel Akanji all ruled out through injury, whilst Rico Lewis is suspended
Manchester City vs Manchester United
Competition: F.A. Premier League
Date: 4.30pm, Sunday 15th December 2024
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Referee: Anthony Taylor Assistants: G Beswick, A Nunn Fourth Official: T Robinson VAR: S Atwell
Odds: City 4/7, Draw 7/2, United 4/1
Tickets: Sold out
TV: Sky Sports
Manchester City
Manager: Pep Guardiola
Squad (from): Ederson, Ortega, Carson, Walker, Dias, Gvardiol, Simpson-Pusey, Wilson-Esbrand, Kovacic, Grealish, De Bruyne, Gundogan, Silva, Nunes, Foden, Wright, McAtee, Haaland, Doku, Savinho
Injured: Rodri, Bobb, Ake, Stones, Akanji
Doubtful: None
Suspended: Lewis
Form guide: LDWLD
Manchester United
Manager: Ruben Amorim
Squad (from): Onana, Bayindir, Heaton, Lindeof, Mazraouai, de Ligt, Maguire, Martinez, Malacia, Yoro, Dalot, Evans, Mount, Fernandes, Eriksen, Casemiro, Ugarte, Mainoo, Hojlund, Rashford, Zirkzee, Diallo, Garnacho, Antony
Injured: Shaw
Doubtful: Evans
Suspended: None
Form guide: WLLWW
City have just three senior defenders available for the visit of Manchester United on Sunday. John Stones, Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji are all injured, whilst Rico Lewis is suspended after being sent off at Crystal Palace last weekend.
The Blues are currently on their worst ever run under Pep Guardiola, having won just one of their last ten fixtures, but manager Pep Guardiola still has belief in his players.
“The soul and spirit of this team is there,” Guardiola said at Friday's press conference.
“I’m sad for the players because of the way they run and fight in the circumstances.
“And, of course, our fans maybe they’re sad [right now]. I understand it - we’re not used to it.
“I know and completely understand our fans may be sad. This group of players have made an era and done things no-one else has done.
“Broken records. I just call the supporters to be there until the end.
“This group of players, they will support them to the end because they deserve it.”
City won their last home game against United 3-1, with goals from Phil Foden (2) and Erling Haaland. Overall City have won 60 of the 183 games played against the Red Devils, with 50 draw and 73 defeats.
Predicted line-up: Ortega, Walker, Dias, Gvardiol, Kovacic, Gundogan, Silva, Foden, Grealish, De Bruyne, Haaland
Score prediction: City 1 United 1