The highly anticipated clash in English football, often dubbed the “El Clasico” of the Premier League, is none other than the Manchester derby. Manchester City is going into the match having recently thrashed Luton Town 6-2 in their FA Cup fixture and maintaining an unbeaten streak in their last 18 matches.
Meanwhile, Manchester United has faced challenges finding their form this season due to numerous injuries. Despite narrowly winning their latest FA Cup fixture and suffering a last-minute defeat against Fulham at Old Trafford, they come into the game as the second favorites. Once again, fans eagerly anticipate the spectacle of the Manchester derby in the 23/24 season.
Manchester Derby kick off, venue, injury news, H2H
The highly anticipated Manchester Derby is scheduled for March 3, 2024. This marks the reverse fixture between the fierce rivals, with the Cityzens securing a significant 3-0 victory in the last encounter at Old Trafford. However, amidst the dominance of blue, a strong presence of red persists, signaling Manchester United’s determination to bounce back from their previous defeat.
The blockbuster derby would be played in The Etihad, which is set to begin at 3 PM (GMT) while the kick-off would be at 3:30 PM GMT on Sunday. The live match can be seen on Sky Sports and TNT Sports.
However, there will be several notable absences in the derby. For the Cityzens, Jack Grealish is set to be sidelined for weeks due to a muscle injury sustained in their recent victory over Luton Town. Additionally, Joško Gvardiol’s availability for the crucial clash remains uncertain.
We currently have 10 players dealing with injuries 🤕💔#manchesterunited pic.twitter.com/vjNqI32CV2
— UTDCeeDonas (@Utdaffairs1) March 1, 2024
On the other side, the Red Devils will be missing most of their first-team players. Erik Ten Hag will be entering the derby without his first-choice center-back and left-back, with Lisandro Martinez struggling with a foot injury and Luke Shaw also sidelined. Additionally, Harry Maguire’s availability for the game is doubtful, while Tyrell Malacia and Aaron Wan-Bissaka will also be absent from the defense.
In midfield, Mason Mount will not be part of the traveling squad to Etihad as he has been sidelined since suffering an injury in November. Furthermore, Anthony Martial and young forward Rasmus Hojlund will also be sidelined for a few weeks due to muscle injuries.
Both teams have their strengths and weaknesses, setting the stage for an intresting matchup. In terms of head-to-head record, Manchester United appears to be the dominant side, having won 78 times against Manchester City’s 60 victories, with 53 matches ending in draws.
In recent years, Manchester City has been the dominant side, winning five of the last six encounters against Manchester United and suffering just one defeat last season. However, Manchester United remains a formidable opponent with the ability to turn the game around, making them a threat to be reckoned with.
This is the of both the teams last 6 encounters-
- Manchester United: 0-3: Manchester City (Premier League,29/10/23)
- Manchester City: 2-1: Manchester United (FA Cup,03/06/23)
- Manchester United: 2-1: Manchester City (Premier League,14/01/23)
- Manchester City: 6-3: Manchester United (Premier League,02/10/22)
- Manchester City: 0-3: Manchester United (Premier League,06/03/22)
- Manchester United: 0-2: Manchester City (Premier League,06/11/21)
Manchester Derby expected line-ups
With Most of the players out for Manchester United and some remains doubtful for the Manchester City this is the expected line-ups:
Manchester City- Ederson, Walker, Dias, Akanji, Ake, Rodri, Stones, B.Silva, De Bruyne, Foden, Halland.
Manchester United- Onana, Dalot, Varane, Lindelof, Ambrabat, Mainoo, Casemiro, Eriksen, Fernandes, Garnacho, Rashford.
Let’s be real the Manchester Derby has surpassed El Classicopic.twitter.com/d3GCCU9pWG
— Danis (@DanisThecityfan) March 2, 2024
The thrilling game is just hours ago from the Kickoff. Though Manchester City are the favorites to win the match, one can’t underestimate Manchester United. Both the Manchester teams are also battling off the field, so the rivalry remains intact.
Share you views in the comment section and tell us who will win the match.
