The two Manchester clubs are all set to lock horns in the Premier League for Man City vs Man Utd on Sunday, March 3. As we near the kick-off date and time, squad news from both camps has emerged, adding to the anticipation for the match.
As is the case every time, some key players from both sides will miss out on the derby. However, neutrals will hope this does not lower the quality of football on display.
Players who could miss Man City vs Man Utd
Erik ten Hag and Manchester United arguably have a much longer and much worse injury list compared to their rivals.
The Dutch manager will sweat over the fitness of captain Bruno Fernandes and defender Raphael Varane as both struggled in their win against Nottingham Forest. However, they completed 90 minutes so the manager will take positives from that.
Meanwhile, Harry Maguire is likely to miss the game and will be joined on the sidelines by Rasmus Hojlund, who is a few weeks away from returning. Long-term absentees Tyrell Malacia, Anthony Martial, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Mason Mount, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw all remain unavailable.
Pep Guardiola only has to worry about Jack Grealish’s fitness after he was subbed off injured in City’s 6-2 demolition of Luton Town in the FA Cup. The Englishman is suffering from a niggling groin issue that has plagued him this season.
Josko Gvardiol is the only other injury concern for the defending champions. The defender has been training for the last week or so and should be fit to make the matchday squad.
Manchester Derby recent head-to-head record
Manchester City ran out comfortable 3-0 winners when these two teams last met in October in the Premier League. Erling Haaland grabbed a routine brace while Phil Foden scored late on to seal the win in style.
Barring the last game, City have won four of the five previous meetings, with United winning the other. In this span, Guardiola’s side have netted a whopping 15 goals and conceded just seven. They have won each of the last three meetings at the Etihad and will look to continue that run.