4 key battles that could settle Man City vs Man Utd
- Manchester derby takes place on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium
- Kevin De Bruyne's duel with Kobbie Mainoo could be pivotal
- Erling Haaland up against Raphael Varane after scoring five goals in one FA Cup game
The Manchester derby takes centre stage on Sunday afternoon as City and United meet in the Premier League at the Etihad Stadium.
While the Cityzens look primed to march on in pursuit of the title despite fierce competition from Liverpool and Arsenal, the Red Devils' bubble of optimism has burst due to injuries to key players. That said, Erik ten Hag's side still recovered from the disappointment of defeat to Fulham to squeeze past Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup in midweek.
However, their next task on their travels is a considerably bigger and more intimidating one, with Pep Guardiola's side currently unbeaten in 18 games in all competitions.
With plenty on the line for both sides, here are some of the intriguing match-ups that will decide the outcome of this latest meeting between City and United.
John Stones vs Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes tends to cop a lot of flak at the best of times, but more recently he was rinsed by Fulham's TikTok account for writhing around in pain and then quickly jumping to his feet.
Ten Hag has defended his club captain recently but the ultimate response needs to come from the Portugal international, starting at the Etihad, a stadium where he has endured 4-1 and 6-3 defeats in the past. However, he also scored in a successful visit back in 2021, so he has the capabilities to shine against the best teams.
The Man City player tasked with blotting Fernandes out could be John Stones. The England international has flitted between defence and midfield in recent weeks but will more than likely come face to face with Fernandes on a few occasions. If he comes out on top, City will have taken a large step towards all three points.
Kevin De Bruyne vs Kobbie Mainoo
Gulp. This is quite a tall order for young Kobbie Mainoo.
While the 18-year-old has largely impressed in an otherwise difficult campaign for the Red Devils, he is set for a true baptism of fire in his first Manchester derby at senior level. With plenty of experienced campaigners out injured and Casemiro not looking spritely in defence, Mainoo's performance will be paramount to any success United have on the day.
His opposite number and the player loading up Man City's waves of attack is Kevin De Bruyne, who set up four of Erling Haaland's five goals against Luton Town in midweek FA Cup action.
The Belgium international's qualities are world renowned and it's unlikely young Mainoo will be able to keep him quiet for the full game. That said, the teenager should still manage to disrupt the hosts' rhythm with his coolness on the ball.
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Phil Foden vs Diogo Dalot
Phil Foden has contributed some match-winning performances in recent weeks, getting on the scoresheet in crucial wins over Copenhagen and Bournemouth.
He got a rest on Wednesday night but with Jack Grealish now sidelined, Foden could get the nod on City's left where he'd line up against Portuguese right-back Diogo Dalot.
The 24-year-old has been much more sound this season but has had nightmarish games against City in the past; Man Utd have let in nine goals in the two previous matches Dalot has played against Pep Guardiola's side.
Erling Haaland vs Raphael Varane
Raphael Varane has mainly produced the best football of his Man Utd career alongside Lisandro Martinez in defence. However, the Argentinian is out injured and Harry Maguire is also sidelined, leaving the French World Cup winner as the leading figure in Ten Hag's back four.
The former Real Madrid defender isn't a renowned leader at the back but will have to take control of proceedings if United are to have any chance of escaping the Etihad with anything to show for their efforts.
The physical match-up with Erling Haaland, who scored five in midweek, might have been closer back in Varane's heyday, but he still has the mental attributes needed to keep dangerous strikers quiet.
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